Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (10 Jun 2026): Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
What this bill does
The "Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026" would create an exception to antitrust laws for certain independent music creators. It would allow individual music creator owners, such as musicians and songwriters who meet specific revenue or small business criteria, to collectively negotiate licensing terms with large online music distribution platforms. This would also apply to negotiations with companies developing or using generative artificial intelligence.
This bill specifically affects independent music creator owners who own copyrights to sound recordings or musical works and earn less than $1 million annually in licensing revenue, or qualify as small businesses. These creators would be permitted to band together to negotiate terms with dominant online platforms, or to collectively refuse licensing, without being sued for violating antitrust laws. The bill states that these collective actions must be related to negotiations, not limited to price, and not involve entities other than the independent creators and the dominant platforms.
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 10, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. There have been no further actions on the bill since its introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
10 Jun 2026
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9253 do?
- The "Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026" would create an exception to antitrust laws for certain independent music creators. It would allow individual music creator owners, such as musicians and songwriters who meet specific revenue or small business criteria, to collectively negotiate licensing terms with large online music distribution platforms. This would also apply to negotiations with companies developing or using generative artificial intelligence. This bill specifically affects independent music creator owners who own copyrights to sound recordings or musical works and earn less than $1 million annually in licensing revenue, or qualify as small businesses. These creators would be permitted to band together to negotiate terms with dominant online platforms, or to collectively refuse licensing, without being sued for violating antitrust laws. The bill states that these collective actions must be related to negotiations, not limited to price, and not involve entities other than the independent creators and the dominant platforms. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 10, 2026, and has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. There have been no further actions on the bill since its introduction.
- Has H.R. 9253 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9253. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9253?
- H.R. 9253 was sponsored by Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2] (D-NC), with 9 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9253?
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. (10 Jun 2026).
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