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Fair music royalties: new payments for artists from terrestrial radio, protecting small stations.

This Act extends performance royalty requirements to traditional AM/FM radio stations for playing sound recordings, a fee previously limited mostly to digital services. This ensures that artists and performers receive compensation when their music is broadcast over the airwaves. Crucially, the law introduces very low, fixed annual fees for small radio stations to prevent undue financial burden.
Key points
Traditional terrestrial radio stations (AM/FM) must now pay performance royalties to artists for playing sound recordings publicly.
Featured and non-featured artists (performers) will gain a new revenue stream from radio airplay.
Small radio stations with low revenue (under $1.5 million) will pay symbolic, fixed annual fees (ranging from $10 to $500), protecting local broadcasting.
The rights and royalties of songwriters and composers (owners of the musical work) are explicitly protected and unaffected.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_861
Sponsor: Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48]
Process start date: 2025-01-31
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-flash-latest
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

American Music Fairness Act of 2025

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_HR_861.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-01-31.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Traditional terrestrial radio stations (AM/FM) must now pay performance royalties to artists for playing sound recordings publicly.
  • Featured and non-featured artists (performers) will gain a new revenue stream from radio airplay.
  • Small radio stations with low revenue (under $1.5 million) will pay symbolic, fixed annual fees (ranging from $10 to $500), protecting local broadcasting.
  • The rights and royalties of songwriters and composers (owners of the musical work) are explicitly protected and unaffected.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-31.

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