Senator Judith G.
Freedman (R-26) said she was happy to vote today in favor of legislation
intended to protect musical artists from imposter groups, but criticized Senate
Democrats for refusing to expand the bill to protect the identity property
rights of other celebrities.
“It is absolutely true that musical artists deserve protection from imposter
groups, but it is just as true that other types of celebrities deserve to be
protected from those who would use their images, names, voices or other
identifying characteristics without their permission. The Senate majority was
willing to pass legislation to protect the musicians – which I certainly voted
for – but rejected my amendment to protect the property identity rights of other
celebrities. I am disappointed, to say the least,” said Senator Freedman.
The legislation passed today, HB 5801, An
Act Concerning Truth In Music Advertising, gained a great deal of
support when Jon “Bowzer” Bauman, a member of the musical group Sha-Na-Na
testified in favor of it before the Judiciary Committee. However, Senator
Freedman said that deadline pressures may have been responsible for the
Judiciary Committee not taking action on proposed legislation intended to
prohibit the unauthorized use of images and other identifying characteristics of
other celebrities, such as actors.
“Paul Newman, Charles
Grodin and Christopher Plummer came to
Hartford
to testify about how modern technology
makes it easy for someone to use their images without their permission. Actors,
and musicians, depend on their images and other unique identifying
characteristics to earn their livings. Our state laws should recognize that, and
provide them with appropriate protection,” said Senator Freedman.
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