News Mississippi
President Trump signs ‘Music Modernization Act’
By Steven Gagliano
President Trump has signed the ‘Music Modernization Act’, which Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith says will benefit Mississippi.
The act, which Hyde-Smith co-sponsored, reforms music copyright and licensing laws to simplify how musicians, songwriters, and others in the music industry are compensated for the work they create.
Following the President signing the bill, the Senator said that this is “a reform that would benefit Mississippi as the ‘Birthplace of American Music’.”
“Music is in Mississippi’s DNA, whether it’s the blues, country music, folk, or rock ‘n’ roll. It’s not just a source of cultural pride, but also a strong contributor to our economy,” Hyde-Smith said.
The measure has widespread support within the music industry, including digital streaming services.
The new law creates a new, simplified licensing system for digital music companies to obtain a license for songs, while also ensuring that songwriters are paid the royalties they are owed. Additionally, it revises outdated songwriter royalty standards to ensure songwriters are paid a fair market rate for their work.
“Music copyright and licensing laws haven’t kept up with technology or the times. The Music Modernization Act fixes that with a comprehensive set of reforms that will help musicians receive royalties they are owed while ensuring the public has access to that music,” she said.
President Trump discussed the importance of music’s place in America, and how important this bill is.
“Fair payment for intellectual property is essential to maintain America’s longstanding position as the world leader in music and entertainment. And when they say ‘world leader,’ it’s world leader, by far. It’s not even close,” President Trump said at the White House signing ceremony. “This legislation accomplishes that goal by updating our licensing laws to reflect the significant growth in streaming and digital music.”
The bill signed into law is officially titled the Orrin G. Hatch-Bob Goodlatte Music Modernization Act.