Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2483

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the capture, use, or recording of certain items for commercial purposes, including the prosecution of criminal offenses regarding unauthorized recordings.

Impact

The changes set forth by HB2483 are expected to significantly impact state laws concerning intellectual property and commercial conduct, particularly in sectors related to media and entertainment. By explicitly defining unauthorized recordings and imposing penalties for improper labeling, the bill aims to enhance protections for copyright holders and reduce the prevalence of counterfeit or pirated materials. Furthermore, the bill exempts financial institutions from certain sections of the regulations, which may influence how these entities interact with and manage recordings.

Summary

House Bill 2483 addresses the regulation of capturing, using, or recording certain items for commercial purposes, specifically targeting unauthorized recordings. The bill amends the Business & Commerce Code to ensure that the law distinguishes between authorized and unauthorized recordings, particularly in a commercial context, thereby introducing stricter penalties for violations. Notably, the bill includes specific provisions for restitution to owners or lawful producers of master recordings that suffer financial losses due to such offenses, establishing a framework for accountability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB2483 appears to lean towards strong support, primarily from individuals and groups invested in the integrity of intellectual property rights. Stakeholders in the music and film industries, for instance, have likely welcomed measures that aim to prevent unauthorized exploitation of their works. However, there may be some concern regarding the reach of the bill and its potential implications for other aspects of media production and distribution, which could lead to calls for further clarification to avoid unintended consequences.

Contention

As with many bills that alter existing regulatory frameworks, HB2483 has generated discussion regarding the balance between protecting intellectual property rights and ensuring fair practices in the market. Critics may voice concerns about the ease with which individuals or organizations could inadvertently run afoul of these new regulations, particularly those who operate in less traditional or independent recording settings. The degree to which these provisions could be enforced or the bill's impact on small businesses involved in media and entertainment production may become focal points in ongoing debates surrounding the legislation.

Companion Bills

TX SB1343

Identical Relating to the capture, use, or recording of certain items for commercial purposes, including the prosecution of criminal offenses regarding unauthorized recordings.

Previously Filed As

TX HB1402

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain criminal offenses.

TX SB645

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB6

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning or fentanyl toxicity for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1900

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization and of sedition.

TX HB4886

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB1179

Relating to sexually violent predators and the prosecution of certain offenses involving prohibited items at correctional or civil commitment facilities; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3499

Relating to foreign terrorist organizations, including the acquisition of title to real property by, the compilation of information regarding, certain civil actions brought against, and the prosecution of certain organized crime offenses involving a foreign terrorist organization.

TX HB908

Relating to the sealing of and discovery procedures relating to certain recordings of children constituting evidence in a criminal case in a criminal hearing or proceeding; creating a criminal offense.

TX SB224

Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.

TX HB1316

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.