Twenty-four hours after the bill was introduced, the House Judiciary Committee has passed the Music Modernization Act in a 32-0 vote. The Act will combine previously introduced legislation and reform music licensing laws with a goal of “rewarding creativity and encourage innovation in the digital age.” The act combines pieces of four other legislative initiatives to update how music rates are set and how songwriters and artists are paid. The bill now goes to the full House of Representatives for a vote.
musicFIRST Coalition Executive Director Chris Israel is pleased the bill is moving on to the full house. “It is no secret that the laws governing music today are outdated and prevent generations of our most beloved artists from receiving fair compensation for their work. Most notably, pre-72 legacy artists are treated most unjustly because, unlike other artists, the law specifically exempts them from being compensated fairly when their songs are played on digital listening platforms and satellite radio. With the House Judiciary Committee’s introduction and unanimous vote in favor of the Music Modernization Act today, 2018 is poised to be the year many music laws are finally brought into the 21st century.”
