NMPA Praises Senate Judiciary Committee Passage Of Music Modernization Act
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: June 28, 2018
Media Contact: Charlotte Sellmyer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee today approved S. 2823, the Music Modernization Act (MMA), unanimously by voice vote.
The bill was amended to include increased oversight and ensure greater transparency in the operation of the Mechanical Licensing Collective. Additionally, amendments were accepted to promote communication between the Department of Justice and Congress regarding any future changes to the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees, as well as to educate copyright owners and songwriters as to the unclaimed royalties process that will be carried out by the new collective.
Senators voted unanimously in favor of the legislation, which now may be considered by the full Senate for passage. If passed by the full Senate, the House of Representatives will need to accept the Senate version before sending to the President for signature. The House previously passed its version of the MMA unanimously.
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite praised the vote saying, “Today’s vote is a huge step towards the Music Modernization Act becoming law. We are pleased that the MMA as approved by the Committee builds upon the fundamental compromise between music creators and digital services that will greatly benefit songwriters.”
Israelite added, “With the many important stakeholders involved, it is no small feat for the MMA to have made it this far, and once the MMA is signed into law, songwriters will see more of the money they deserve from streaming services who currently operate off of laws from 1909 and consent decrees from 1941. We thank Chairman Grassley, Ranking Member Feinstein, Senator Hatch, Senator Whitehouse, Senator Alexander, and all of the Senators who have supported MMA for their leadership in helping those behind the music and their steadfast commitment to updating laws that are egregiously behind the times. We look forward to seeing the full Senate pass the MMA.”
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