Proposed US legislation concerning the music industry has been reintroduced. The Protect Working Musicians Act was initially introduced in 2021 and would allow independent artists to collectively negotiate with streaming services and refuse to license their music if terms are unsatisfactory.
A revised version of the bill was presented in 2023, expanding its scope to include music licensing by artificial intelligence companies. Despite not passing before the end of 2023, congresswoman Deborah Ross reintroduced the legislation this week.
The bill’s current focus remains on both streaming and AI training, with an emphasis on collective negotiation for “small independent artists and music creators.” The Association of Independent Music (A2IM) is among the industry organizations supporting the bill.
“The explosion of AI and the continued dominance of a handful of streaming giants make it clear that independent artists need real tools to advocate for themselves,” stated Ian Harrison, CEO of A2IM.
The Artists Rights Alliance, American Federation of Musicians, Future of Music Coalition, Recording Academy, MMF-US, Music Artists Coalition, NMPA, SONA and UMAW are also supporting the bill.
