H.R.8994

Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026

Introduced·5/21/26

Empowers independent music creators to negotiate with dominant online platforms for fair licensing terms.

The Protect Working Musicians Act of 2026 aims to empower independent music creators to collectively negotiate with dominant online platforms for fair licensing terms. The bill defines "Dominant Online Music Distribution Platform" as any entity with over $100 million in annual music distribution revenue, excluding those eligible for a specific copyright license. It also defines "Individual Music Creator Owner" as a musician or group earning less than $1 million in licensing revenue or qualifying as a small business.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DDD
3
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

History

May 21

House

Introduced in House

May 21

House

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.