Tired of Loud Ads? Illinois Bill Could Turn Down the Volume

If you've ever been relaxing on the couch watching a show and suddenly felt like your TV just exploded in volume during a commercial, you're definitely not alone.

It happens to literally all of us.

Illinois lawmakers are not trying to do something about it, finally!

Tired of Loud Ads? Illinois Bill Could Turn Down the Volume

A new bill that just passed through the Illinois Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee would crack down on streaming services that play commercials louder than the shows or movies you're watching.  The legislation, know as Senate Bill 3222, has a goal to make sure commercials on streaming platforms aren't blasting at a noticeably higher volume than the actual content.

Read More: Illinois Proposal to Raise Minimum Wage to $27 Sparks Concerns

Read More: State Bill in Illinois Looks to Restrict Social Media for Minors

If the bill becomes a law, people in Illinois would be able to file official complaints if they feel ads on streaming services are significantly louder than the program they're watching.  This might seem like a small thing, says Senator Turner, but it actually affects people's everyday lives.

She explained that some of her constituents, especially parents with young kid who nap during the day and people with hearing disabilities, have brought up how frustrating it can be.  Imagine finally getting your baby to sleep, then turning on a quiet show, and then suddenly a commercial comes on twice as loud as everything else.

Streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have become the main way people watch traditional TV.  The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (yes, it's a real thing), better known as CALM Act, was passed in 2010 and regulates the volume of commercials on broadcast, cable, and satellite.  Streaming services weren't part of the picture back then, but hopefully it is now!

For now, the bill is heading to the Senate floor.