The Law on the Modernization of Music Passes to the Senate Unanimously

Senators rarely agree on anything in 2018, but a bill to update licensing and royalty laws was passed by the Senate unanimously. Like a similar bill to update royalties and licensing laws to reflect the reality of music broadcasting in the House of Representatives in April, the Orrin G. Hatch Music Modernization Law no longer exists. Had no problem.

While many other things are happening this week at Capitol Hill, the Senate has just passed the milestone #MusiqueModernisationAct, which @ SenAlexander has graciously renamed the Orrin G Hatch Music Modernization Law. ? #utpol https://t.co/piTtO2VIyY

– Senator Hatch's Office (@senorrinhatch) September 18, 2018

The bill combines three separate laws: the Law on Classes, which aims to guarantee artists royalties on songs recorded before 1972, the Law on the Modernization of Music in Broadcasting and the AMP Law and Engineers to Collect. SoundExchange royalties when their music is played digitally or on satellite radio.

"As the legendary band The Grateful Dead has already said in an iconic song from before 1972," it's a weird and long journey. "It has been an epic odyssey, and we are delighted to be almost at our destination." US President Mitch Glazier said in a press release, "For the US Senate to unanimously adopt a draft 185 pages is a Herculean feat that can only be achieved through the determination and mobilization of thousands of music creators across the country is a bill that brings us to a modern music licensing landscape better based on fair market rates and equitable remuneration for all. "

Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP, echoed Glazier's language in praising the passage of the bill.

"The unanimous passage of the Senate Modernization Act represents a herculean effort to promote and celebrate songwriters and to ensure their right to sustainable livelihoods," said Matthews. Variety.

National Music Publishers Association President and CEO David Israelite was also pleased with the news.

"Voting in the Senate marks a real step toward fairness for people at the heart of music who have long been under-valued because of outdated laws," Israel said in a statement. "It was a long and complex process, but the music industry ended up being stronger and more united than ever."

The bill must now be reviewed by the House and then signed by President Trump, The edge reports.