The Recording Academy has hit the ground running in 2025, spearheading state-level advocacy efforts across the country. Through coordinated action, member involvement, and strong public testimony, the Recording Academy continues its mission to protect and empower music creators on every level.

From securing a state resolution in Texas to opposing harmful ticketing legislation in Washington, here are several key areas where the Academy continues to fight for policies that support the music community: 

Texas Music Advocacy Day 

On February 18, the Recording Academy Texas Chapter hosted its biennial Music Advocacy Day at the state capital in Austin. Nearly two dozen Academy members met with state legislators to highlight the importance of music to the Texas economy and urge support for two key legislative priorities. First, advocates pushed for SB 549/HB 172, which would provide dedicated funding for music education in Texas schools. In addition, they advocated for new legislation to protect creators' voices and likenesses  against AI exploitation. Just two weeks later, SB 1960 was introduced to protect Texas creators from unauthorized digital replicas.

The day’s efforts culminated on the floors of both the Texas House and Senate, where the Academy’sTexas Chapter — represented by Academy Trustee Paul Wall, four-time GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams, and Latin GRAMMY winner Bobby Pulido — were honored with an official resolution in each chamber declaring February 18 as Texas Music Advocacy Day.

Virtual Testimony In Virginia And Georgia

The fight for creator protections continued on the East Coast. On February 17, Recording Academy Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Todd Dupler testified virtually before the Virginia State Senate Committee on Courts of Justice, urging lawmakers to support HB 2462. The bill would prohibit the unauthorized use of a person’s name, image, voice, and likeness, specifically targeting the misuse of digital replicas.

Then, on March 3, Dupler provided virtual testimony before Georgia’s House Creative Arts and Entertainment Committee in support of HB 566 — a state-level version of the NO FAKES Act. The bill aims to protect individuals from AI-generated misappropriations of their voice and likeness, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of artists in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Ticketing Concerns In Washington State

On the West Coast, the Academy submitted written testimony opposing Washington State’s SB 5676, a bill that would mandate immediate electronic ticket delivery upon payment confirmation. The Academy argued that this legislation would undermine efforts to combat ticket scalping and place undue burdens on smaller venues forced to adopt expensive e-ticketing systems. The Academy’s testimony was echoed by numerous other arts and live performance organizations in the state.

Fighting For Free Expression In Maryland

Currently, the Academy is rallying support for Maryland’s Protecting the Admissibility of Creative Expression (PACE) Act, which aims to restrict the use of defendants’ creative works as evidence in criminal trials. The PACE Act is designed to protect freedom of expression and ensure that artistic creativity is not unfairly weaponized in legal proceedings. Maryland residents can urge their lawmakers to support this legislation here. 

Join The Fight For Music Rights

The Recording Academy is proud to stand with its members in advocating for creators’ rights on the federal, state, and local levels. Want to make a difference? Find out how you can get involved and take action today.

Read more: Key Music Bills To Watch In The 119th Congress: The Recording Academy’s Legislative Priorities