Summary of SCONRES 8 - Local Radio Freedom Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: SCONRES 8

Title: A concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act

Status: Introduced in Senate

Introduced Date: March 03, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of SCONRES 8 is to express the sentiment of Congress against the imposition of any new performance fees, taxes, royalties, or other charges related to the public performance of sound recordings by local radio stations. The resolution aims to protect local radio stations from additional financial burdens that could arise from new regulations concerning the broadcasting of sound recordings.

Key Provisions

The resolution specifically states that Congress should not impose:
1. New Performance Fees: Any fees related to the public performance of sound recordings on local radio stations for broadcasting over the air.
2. Charges on Businesses: Any charges on businesses for the public performance of sound recordings broadcast over the air by local radio stations.

Affected Parties

The resolution primarily affects:
- Local Radio Stations: These stations would benefit from the resolution as it seeks to prevent additional financial obligations that could hinder their operations.
- Businesses Utilizing Local Radio: Any business that relies on local radio for advertising or promotional purposes would also be impacted positively by the resolution, as it aims to keep broadcasting costs manageable.

Legislative Actions

• March 03, 2025: The resolution was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The text of the resolution can be found in the Congressional Record (CR S1463).

Sponsors

The resolution has a broad bipartisan support with multiple sponsors, including:
- Primary Sponsor: John Barrasso
- Cosponsors:
- John Hoeven
- Deb Fischer
- Angus S. King
- James C. Justice
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Steve Daines
- Shelley Moore Capito
- Todd Young
- Joni Ernst
- Roger F. Wicker
- Mike Crapo
- Dan Sullivan
- Susan M. Collins
- Kevin Cramer
- John Boozman
- Cynthia M. Lummis
- Markwayne Mullin
- Maggie Hassan
- David H. McCormick
- Lisa Murkowski
- Tim Sheehy
- Pete Ricketts
- James E. Risch
- Martin Heinrich

Related Legislation

• HCONRES 12: This is the companion resolution in the House of Representatives, indicating a parallel effort to support the same objectives regarding local radio stations.

Conclusion

SCONRES 8 is a resolution aimed at safeguarding local radio stations from potential financial burdens associated with new performance fees or charges. By expressing Congressional support for the Local Radio Freedom Act, the resolution seeks to ensure that local radio remains a viable platform for broadcasting music and other sound recordings without additional costs that could threaten their operations.