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Senate converts proposed movie-start-time rule into study of family entertainment options
Summary
Senate Bill 797 was amended from a prescriptive disclosure/penalty bill to a working-group study to examine theater viability, accessibility and whether start-time disclosures are beneficial; amendment adopted and bill passed.
The Connecticut Senate on May 21 replaced an original proposal about scheduled-showtime disclosures with a study-centered amendment for Senate Bill 797. The strike-all amendment creates a small working group drawn from General Law Committee leadership to examine family entertainment options, theater needs, accessibility for patrons with disabilities, potential tax incentives for capital improvements and whether start-time disclosures produce consumer benefits. Senator Maroney said the working group would meet within available appropriations and deliver a report by 01/01/2026.
Floor debate ranged from concern that the issue was low-priority to arguments that struggling local theaters need targeted help. Senator Fazio called the matter frivolous; others, including Senator Looney, argued the industry has real trouble recovering since the pandemic and that a study could surface viable incentives.
The amendment was adopted and the amended bill passed by roll call. The working group will report back with findings and recommendations to the General Law Committee.
