Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB861

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

American Music Fairness Act of 2025

Impact

The bill impacts current state and federal laws governing music rights and broadcasting by introducing standardized royalty rates for radio stations, especially benefiting smaller broadcasters. For instance, specific fees have been set for terrestrial stations based on their revenue, which allows smaller entities to thrive while ensuring artists receive fair compensation. These changes aim to create a more balanced market for music usage, supporting both artists and smaller radio stations that may struggle under current financial obligations.

Summary

House Bill 861, titled the American Music Fairness Act of 2025, aims to amend Title 17 of the United States Code focusing on the treatment of radio stations and artists concerning the use of sound recordings. This bill addresses the ongoing issue of unequal compensation that artists receive for the use of their music by terrestrial and online radio stations. By aligning terrestrial broadcasts with existing performance rights for digital platforms, the act seeks to establish a more equitable framework for royalty payments across all audio transmissions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 861 include concerns from small broadcasters about the financial implications of increased royalty rates. While the act provides protections and reduced fees for smaller stations, critics argue that any additional regulatory burden could threaten their viability. Additionally, there are apprehensions regarding how these changes will be enforced and whether they could inadvertently lead to less music diversity on air if stations become more selective in their song choices due to financial constraints. Furthermore, there is a dialogue about ensuring the rights of songwriters are preserved, as noted in the provisions meant to protect their existing royalties and performance rights.

Congress_id

119-HR-861

Policy_area

Commerce

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

US SB326

Related American Music Fairness Act

Previously Filed As

US HB791

American Music Fairness Act of 2023

US SB253

American Music Fairness Act

US HB10136

Promoting Fairness for Medicare Providers Act of 2024

US HB10127

Restoring Trade Fairness Act

US HB1796

Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023

US HB9881

American Dream Accounts Act of 2024

US HB10526

To amend the Social Security Act to establish a Medicare for America health program to provide for comprehensive health coverage for all Americans.

US HB7763

Living Wage for Musicians Act of 2024

US HB861

America Votes Act of 2023

US HB10272

DEAL with Obesity Act of 2024 Dual Eligible Americans Living with Obesity Act of 2024

Similar Bills

US SB326

American Music Fairness Act

US HB791

American Music Fairness Act of 2023

US SB253

American Music Fairness Act

US HB9392

Political Accountability and Transparency Act

US SB4010

SAT Streamlining Act Satellite And Telecommunications Streamlining Act

US HB2230

Independent Programmers Tax Incentive Act

LA HB632

Provides the method of calculating taxable income derived from broadcasting film and radio programming which is attributable to activity in La. (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF RV See Note)

US SB4875

NO FAKES Act of 2024 Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe Act of 2024