Legis Daily

Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8994| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
Deborah K. Ross

Deborah K. Ross

Democratic Representative

North Carolina

Cosponsors (3)
Steve Cohen (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The bill seeks to rectify a significant power imbalance faced by independent music creators in the digital music market. It highlights how Dominant Online Music Distribution Platforms dictate licensing terms, often exploiting the "notice and takedown" system to profit from unlicensed music, which is particularly detrimental to independent artists lacking resources. This situation has led to a decline in careers and an unhealthy music ecosystem, despite music's cultural and economic importance, as these platforms can ignore individual artists without threatening their overall consumer appeal. To address this, the legislation establishes an antitrust safe harbor , allowing Independent Music Creator Owners to collectively negotiate licensing terms or collectively refuse to license their music. This protection applies when dealing with dominant online platforms and companies developing generative artificial intelligence . The collective actions must not be limited to price, be nondiscriminatory, and be directly related to necessary negotiations, ensuring fair market practices for creators who own their copyrights and meet specific revenue or small business criteria.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5713
Protect Working Musicians Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5576
Protect Working Musicians Act of 2023
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5713
    Protect Working Musicians Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5576
    Protect Working Musicians Act of 2023


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8994| House 
| Updated: 5/21/2026
The bill seeks to rectify a significant power imbalance faced by independent music creators in the digital music market. It highlights how Dominant Online Music Distribution Platforms dictate licensing terms, often exploiting the "notice and takedown" system to profit from unlicensed music, which is particularly detrimental to independent artists lacking resources. This situation has led to a decline in careers and an unhealthy music ecosystem, despite music's cultural and economic importance, as these platforms can ignore individual artists without threatening their overall consumer appeal. To address this, the legislation establishes an antitrust safe harbor , allowing Independent Music Creator Owners to collectively negotiate licensing terms or collectively refuse to license their music. This protection applies when dealing with dominant online platforms and companies developing generative artificial intelligence . The collective actions must not be limited to price, be nondiscriminatory, and be directly related to necessary negotiations, ensuring fair market practices for creators who own their copyrights and meet specific revenue or small business criteria.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5713
Protect Working Musicians Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5576
Protect Working Musicians Act of 2023
May 21, 2026
Introduced in House
May 21, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5713
    Protect Working Musicians Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5576
    Protect Working Musicians Act of 2023


  • May 21, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • May 21, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Deborah K. Ross

Deborah K. Ross

Democratic Representative

North Carolina

Cosponsors (3)
Steve Cohen (Democratic)Daniel S. Goldman (Democratic)Lloyd Doggett (Democratic)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted