Music-Related Legislation Before Congress Right Now: Full List of Bills (UPDATING)
The article tracks music-related bills before the 119th US Congress and explains how they could affect artists, consumers and businesses, including through changes to songwriting, licensing, royalties, ticketing and live performances. It notes that several proposals have bipartisan backing and support from music-industry organisations and companies, while stressing that bills can face a lengthy process of committee review, revision and votes before becoming law.
Among the examples covered, the RAP Act would restrict the use of rap lyrics in federal prosecutions; it was reintroduced in the House in July 2025 and referred to the Judiciary Committee. The NO FAKES Act would let people control and license their digital likenesses and take legal action over unauthorised AI deepfakes; its revised version gained unanimous Senate Judiciary Committee support in June 2026, with a full Senate vote still to come. The article also begins coverage of the American Music Tourism Act, introduced again in January 2025 to promote music-related travel, and says the overall list will be updated as bills progress or new ones are introduced.
- Congress is considering bills that could reshape parts of the music industry.
- The RAP Act would limit rap lyrics’ use in federal prosecutions.
- NO FAKES cleared a Senate committee, but still needs a full vote.
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Congress is considering new laws that could affect how the music industry operates. These bills cover areas including songwriting, royalties, concert ticketing and how performers' images and voices can be used.
The proposals would affect musicians, record companies, streaming services, concert venues and music fans in different ways. Many have support from both major political parties and from music-industry organisations, suggesting they address concerns shared across the sector.
Some bills aim to protect artists, such as giving performers control over artificial-intelligence copies of themselves. Others have broader goals, such as promoting music-related tourism or ensuring songwriters receive fair payment for their work.