Missouri § 170.135 - Captioning of electronic video instructional materials — definitions — failure to comply, civil penalty.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 170.135 — Captioning of electronic video instructional materials — definitions — failure to comply, civil penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 170.135. Captioning of electronic video instructional materials — definitions — failure to comply, civil penalty.
1. As used in this section, the following terms mean:
(1) "Captions", when the audio portion of video programming is displayed as text superimposed over the video;
(2) "Closed captions", captions that may be turned on or off by the viewer;
(3) "Electronic video instructional materials", materials designed, marketed, and sold for use in the instructional programs of educational institutions in Missouri, including but not limited to materials on videotape, CD-ROM, digital video disc (DVD), and film;
(4) "Open captions", captions that are always viewable and cannot be turned on and off by the viewer.
2. Beginning January 1, 2008, every publisher or manufacturer of electronic video instructional materials offered for adoption or sale in the state shall supply such materials with open captions or closed captions, except for the following:
(1) Video products or portions of video products for which the publisher does not have the rights to add captions; and
(2) Video products or portions of video products for which the user does not receive a physical copy of the product, but rather the product is otherwise broadcast into the instructional environment through television programming, teleconferences, and/or products distributed over the internet or world wide web.
3. If the publisher or manufacturer fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the publisher or manufacturer shall be liable to the entity that purchased the electronic video instructional materials in the amount of three times the amount paid by the purchasing entity to have captions placed on the materials.
4. In order to ensure the effective implementation of subsection 3 of this section, a liability claim may be made on behalf of the purchasing entity by either the individual purchaser; a school, school district, college, or university that employs the individual purchaser; the Missouri department of elementary and secondary education; or the Missouri department of higher education and workforce development.
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(L. 2007 H.B. 181)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 2007 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 170.135
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 170.135 cover?
Section 170.135 ("Captioning of electronic video instructional materials — definitions — failure to comply, civil penalty.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 170.135?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 170.135" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 170.135 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.