The Tennessee House Banking and Consumer Affairs Subcommittee unanimously passed a groundbreaking bill on February 13th to safeguard musicians from exploitation by artificial intelligence (AI).
The bill, known as the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (HB 2091) or ELVIS, was introduced by Governor Bill Lee in January 2024. Its primary focus is to prevent unethical use of AI, specifically the unauthorized utilization of artists’ voices, images, and likenesses.
While ELVIS primarily advocates for the music community in Tennessee, it extends its protection to all residents of the state. The bill received support from State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson and House Majority Leader William Lamberth.
House Majority Leader William Lamberth addressing the subcommittee on February 13th. Source: Tennessee House
Nashville, the capital city of Tennessee, ranks among the top three cities for music industry activity in the United States. According to data provided by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the music industry in Nashville contributes a significant $5.5 billion to the local economy, with a total output of $9.7 billion for the entire Nashville area.
Therefore, the introduction of the ELVIS Act through Tennessee’s representatives has immense importance for the working population of the state.
During the subcommittee meeting, lawmakers listened to testimonies from singer and actress Chrissy Metz, Nashville Songwriter Association board member and songwriter Jamie Moore, and Jessie Richard, the Senior Vice President for Public Policy at the RIAA.
Singer and actress Chrissy Metz and Nashville Songwriter Association board member and songwriter Jamie Moore providing testimony before the subcommittee on February 13th. Source: Tennessee House
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Speaking about the ELVIS Act, Jamie Moore emphasized the rapid development of generative AI and its potential to “disrupt the music business as we know it.” He underscored the significance of music in the local culture and economy, stressing that it is no surprise that Tennessee is at the forefront of safeguarding creators and sending a message to the world that human creativity must be protected from those who seek to exploit it.
Jessie Richard from the RIAA added, “It is crucial to emphasize that the ELVIS Act applies to all individuals. Every resident of Tennessee deserves the protection of their voices and likenesses, and this bill will ensure just that.”
The subcommittee’s approval of the bill follows the endorsement of nearly 300 creatives, including Harvey Mason Jr., the CEO of the Recording Academy, who supported a federal bill called the No AI Fraud Act. This federal bill addresses similar protections for artists in the context of AI.
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