HOUSE-BILL 9253: H.R.9253 - Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026

HOUSE-BILL 9253 aims to empower Individual Music Creator Owners by allowing them to collectively negotiate licensing terms with Dominant Online Music Distribution Platforms, addressing the significant power imbalance that currently exists in the music industry. The legislation emphasizes the importance of fair compensation for independent creators and seeks to enhance their economic and cultural contributions. Major themes include the protection of First Amendment rights related to freedom of speech and the right to assemble, as well as the promotion of fair market practices. Key provisions include the establishment of a safe harbor for collective negotiations, which would protect music creators from antitrust liability under specific conditions. Implementation requirements will involve the development of guidelines for these negotiations, although a specific timeline is not provided. Potential impacts include improved compensation for music creators and a more equitable distribution of power in the music industry, while also raising concerns about antitrust implications and the potential for perceived collusion among creators. The existing legal context is framed by the implications of Amendment I, which is central to the bill, and overlaps with house-bill 8994, indicating a broader legislative effort to reform music licensing and distribution practices.