In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. “Assembly area” means a building or facility, or any portion of a building or facility, that: is used for the purpose of entertainment, education, or civic gatherings; and requires the use of a public address system. “Assembly area” includes: an amphitheater, an arena, and a stadium; an auditorium; a center for the performing arts; a classroom and a lecture hall; a concert hall; a convention center; a courtroom; a legislative chamber; a movie theater, a theater, and a playhouse; and a public hearing and meeting room. “Assembly area” does not include any outdoor area. “Assistive listening system” means an amplification system using transmitters to bypass the acoustical space between a sound source and a listener by means of a wireless direct connection, such as a hearing induction loop system, that couples to a: personal hearing device; or receiver, such as a hearing induction loop receiver or other similar technology. “Construction or renovation” includes: construction; reconstruction; and renovation. “Hearing induction loop” means a hearing loop or T–loop system that takes a sound source and transfers it directly via a magnetic signal to: a hearing aid; a cochlear implant; a hearing induction loop receiver; or any other personal hearing device that acts as a receiver. “Recipient of State funds” means any of the following that receive State money for the construction or renovation of an assembly area: a unit of State government; a unit of local government; or a for–profit or nonprofit entity or association. A recipient of State funds shall install an assistive listening system in an assembly area during the construction or renovation of the assembly area if: the assembly area uses or requires the use of a public address system; and a State contract has been executed to enable construction or renovation of the assembly area. A recipient of State funds may apply for a waiver from the requirement under paragraph (1) of this subsection if: the recipient claims that an assistive listening system is not technologically feasible; or there is a dispute regarding whether the requirements of paragraph (1) of this subsection apply to a construction or renovation project. A waiver request under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph shall include a description of the alternative assistive listening technology the recipient will use to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is a Hearing Accessibility Advisory Board. The Secretary shall appoint the members of the Board. The Board shall consist of: individuals who have expertise in assistive listening systems; and consumers who use assistive listening systems. The Board shall: consult with stakeholders who are State residents who use or will use the facilities being built or renovated, including: individuals with hearing loss; and organizations that represent people with hearing loss and have background experience and knowledge of the use of assistive listening systems and devices; make recommendations for regulations implementing this section; consider applications for waivers submitted under subsection (b)(2) of this section; and monitor compliance with this section and investigate any complaints regarding noncompliance. The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section, including regulations regarding: proper maintenance and training of staff; adequate signage; and a requirement for facilities to provide receivers that can use the technology for individuals who do not have a personal hearing device or do not have a hearing device with a telecoil or other built–in receiver. This section does not require State agencies or recipients of State funds to retrofit existing facilities that are not undergoing renovation. A person may bring a civil action for a violation of this section or if the person has reasonable grounds for believing that this section will be violated. A person may not be required to take any other action before bringing a civil action under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph for a potential violation of this section if the person has actual notice that a recipient of State funds does not intend to comply with the requirements of this section. In a civil action brought under paragraph (1)(i) of this subsection, the court may: grant any equitable relief that the court considers appropriate, including: temporary, preliminary, or permanent relief; providing an auxiliary aid or service; requiring a modification of policy, practice, or procedure; and making facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; assess a civil penalty against the recipient of State funds; or award any other relief the court considers to be appropriate. If a court orders injunctive relief under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the order shall include a requirement that the facilities be altered to make the facilities readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities to the extent required by this section.