Markup scheduled for H.R. 3101, 21st Century Communications & Video Accessibility Act

June 29, 2010. COAT is pleased to see a markup of H.R. 3101 has been scheduled. The House Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet will meet in open markup session on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in room 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, to consider H.R. 3101, the “Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009.” TV monitors will display captions. The markup will also be streamed live online with captions.  More info will be posted at http://bit.ly/9E3upA. ASL interpreter services have been requested, but with little advance notice of the markup, may not be available. The webpage (above) has a link to a "briefing memo" which describes the current version of H.R. 3101.  At the end of that briefing memo is the following statement: "An amendment in the nature of a substitute will be offered at Subcommittee markup to make changes to the bill based on ongoing discussions among staff and stakeholders about this legislation."  The COAT steering committee has been advocating to keep H.R. 3101 as strong as possible.  We expect to continue to work with members of the House and committee staff as this process moves forward.  This legislation is still a "work in progress."  We are very excited that this legislation is gaining momentum.  We want to get this bill passed this year, the 20th anniversary of the ADA. COAT recommends that disability advocates for accessible technology, if you are in the DC area, please show your support for H.R. 3101 by attending the markup session tomorrow.