Connecticut is proposing a new law that restricts the sound levels of movie theaters, and if passed would be the first state to pass such a law. This proposal although seen as beneficial to theater workers is drawing quite an opposition from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA).
The bill would prohibit theaters from showing anything that passes a sound level of 85 decibels. People arguing for the bill feel that they are protecting theater workers from hearing loss; while members of the opposition feel occasional loud noises throughout movies won’t impact hearing. According to the associatedpress Dr. Robert Dobie, a professor at the University of Texas said, “I feel quite comfortable that the exposures are not anywhere near hazardous. It's the combination of level and duration that matters."
The MPAA is fighting the bill. According to thealmagest the MPAA feels this proposed bill violates the First Amendment. The bill is currently being reviewed by Connecticut committees.