1990 – The invention of the decoder chip led to the passage of the Television Decoder Circuitry Act, mandating that starting July 1, 1993, all new television sets 13 inches or larger manufactured for sale in the U.S. contain caption decoding technology.

1990 – The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is passed. The ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities in employment, state and local government services.

1996 – The Telecommunications Act is passed. It requires that digital television receivers also contain caption-decoding technology.