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7 Things Music Creators Need To Know About The HITS Act For The 2026 Tax Filing Season

With the Helping Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act now signed into law, here's what music makers need to know about this new addition to the tax code, including qualifications for eligible recording expenses, deduction limits, deadlines, and more.

Body Text 1: 7 Things Music Creators Need To Know About The HITS Act For The 2026 Tax Filing Season

Last July, the Recording-Academy-backed [Helping Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/issues-policy/hits-act) was [signed into law](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/hits-act-signed-into-law), marking a major milestone for the music community after more than five years of dedicated advocacy by the Academy and its members. As we approach the 2026 tax filing deadline — **Wednesday, April 15, 2026**, to file 2025 tax returns — here's what music makers need to know about this new addition to the tax code.

## **What does the HITS Act do?**

The HITS Act allows artists, songwriters, and producers to deduct production expenses for qualified sound recordings in the same year they are incurred, rather than amortizing these costs over time.

With the HITS Act as the law of the land, independent creators now have access to meaningful tax relief designed to support, promote, and sustain music production.

## **Who qualifies for tax deductions?**

Anyone who incurs eligible recording expenses during the year qualifies for the deduction: independent artists, songwriters, producers, and record labels.

## **What qualifies for tax deductions?**

Deductible expenses include any costs directly related to the creation of a recording, potentially including: rental fees for studio time; payments to session musicians; engineer and producer fees; mixing and mastering costs; and equipment purchases or rentals. The deduction can apply to song demos, albums/LPs, EPs, singles, and digital-only releases. Expenses related to marketing, touring, and distribution are **not eligible**.

## **How much can I deduct from my expenses?**

Eligible individuals can deduct up to $150,000 cumulatively per year, as long as the recording is produced in the United States.

Featured Content Block: The HITS Act Is Finally Signed Into Law. Here's How The Recording Academy Led the Way For This Victory.

The HITS Act Is Finally Signed Into Law. Here's How The Recording Academy Led the Way For This Victory.

The Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act was signed into law this month. Here's how years of persistent advocacy by the Recording Academy and its members helped secure this historic moment.

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/photo

How The Recording Academy Championed The HITS Act

Body Text 2: 7 Things Music Creators Need To Know About The HITS Act For The 2026 Tax Filing Season

## **What is bonus depreciation?**

In addition to allowing the deduction of recording expenses immediately in the year that costs are incurred, the HITS Act also provides a benefit called "bonus depreciation." This provision allows expenses to be claimed in the year that a qualified sound recording is "placed into service." A sound recording is considered placed into service at the time of initial release or broadcast. Bonus depreciation gives creators another option and the flexibility to find the tax benefit that works best for their unique situation.

## **How can creators take advantage during the current tax season?**

Check with a tax professional to ensure you are making the most of the new benefits provided by the HITS Act on your 2025 tax return. To make things easier and more accurate, keep and maintain thorough documentation of all production-related expenses throughout the year.

## **Want to learn more?**

YouTube Embed: 2025 Winter Advocacy Conference

Body Text 3: 7 Things Music Creators Need To Know About The HITS Act For The 2026 Tax Filing Season

Creators can learn more by watching a discussion featuring Recording Academy Chief Advocacy &amp; Public Policy Officer [Todd Dupler](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/todd-dupler-appointed-chief-advocacy-public-policy-officer), tax specialist Michelle Butler, and Grammy-winning singer/songwriter [Nicole Zuraitis](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/nicole-zuraitis/243621), who together break down how the HITS Act works in practice. Watch the conversation in full above.

Curated Content: Advocacy Initiatives & Issues To Know

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Slide (Advocacy/RA): Get Involved With Our Music Advocacy Action Page

Slide (Advocacy/RA): Meet Our National Advocacy Committee

Music Advocacy Initiatives & Issues To Know

Claire Hoffman

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Hero: 7 Things Music Creators Need To Know About The HITS Act For The 2026 Tax Filing Season

The 2026 tax filing deadline to file 2025 tax returns is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

Photo Illustration: Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images

hits_act_2026_tax_filing_season_recording_academy_advocacy_GettyImages-2147889018

7 Things To Know About The HITS Act For Tax Season

How The 68th Grammy Awards Pushed Advocacy Forward: Amplifying Urgent Issues & Strengthening Bonds With Capitol Hill

Through impactful briefings and meaningful engagement with members of Congress during Grammy Week 2026, the Recording Academy advanced a policy framework that ensures a thriving future for music and its creators.

Body Text 1: How The 68th Grammy Awards Pushed Advocacy Forward: Amplifying Urgent Issues & Strengthening Bonds With Capitol Hill

This year's Grammy Week marked a defining chapter for the Grammy organization's[ Advocacy initiatives.](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy) Through impactful briefings and meaningful engagement with members of both Congress and the Recording Academy, the Academy's Advocacy team amplified the urgent issues impacting music creators today, from the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) to the policy considerations shaping the future of music.

Advocacy programming began Thursday, Jan. 29, at Grammy House with "[Forging Tomorrow's Music Landscape Today](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/live-blog/2026-grammy-week#entry-2666)," a dynamic panel conversation moderated by Recording Academy CEO [Harvey Mason jr](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/harvey-mason-jr/4668). The standing-room-only event brought together Grammy-winning artist, tech entrepreneur, and futurist [will.i.am](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/william/367); six-time Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician [Sierra Hull](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/sierra-hull/19789); and emerging Christian hip-hop artist Miles Minnick. The discussion focused on the accelerating impact of AI on music creation and examined the responsibility of the industry to ensure that technological advancement is matched by meaningful protections for artists.

Will.i.am urged the Academy to champion stronger safeguards around artists' likeness and estate rights, particularly as technology enables increasingly sophisticated digital replication. He also cautioned against chasing algorithm-driven trends or short-term viral success, emphasizing that creativity should not be confined to what platforms reward. "Humans have to decide what's sacred to them," he noted, warning that convenience often comes at a long-term cost.

Inline Photo: will.i.am Speaks At The "Forging Tomorrow's Music Landscape Today" Panel At Grammy House 2026

will.i.am speaks onstage during the "Forging Tomorrow's Music Landscape Today" panel at Grammy House during Grammy Week 2026 on Jan. 29, 2026, at Rolling Greens in Los Angeles, California. 

Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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will.i.am Speaks At The "Forging Tomorrow's Music Landscape Today" Panel At Grammy House 2026

Body Text 2: How The 68th Grammy Awards Pushed Advocacy Forward: Amplifying Urgent Issues & Strengthening Bonds With Capitol Hill

*will.i.am speaks onstage during the "Forging Tomorrow's Music Landscape Today" panel at Grammy House during Grammy Week 2026 on Jan. 29, 2026, at Rolling Greens in Los Angeles, California | Photo: Monica Schipper/Getty Images for The Recording Academy*

Mason jr. emphasized the [Academy's proactive efforts](https://www.recordingacademy.com/about/artificial-intelligence) to shield creators from the emerging risks associated with AI. "At the Academy, we've been working on legislation that protects artists' name, likeness, and voice and making sure people can't take your voice without your approval," he said, pointing to the organization's support of the [NO FAKES Act](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/series-or-collection/recording-academy-initiatives/grammys-hill-advocacy-day-2025-recap), an Academy-endorsed bill intended to curb the unauthorized creation and distribution of AI-generated digital replicas. Mason jr. remained optimistic about the creative community's strength and adaptability: "I think there will be disruption with AI, but I believe people will learn to persevere."

Featured Content Block: Learn More About Artificial Intelligence At The Recording Academy

Slide: Artificial Intelligence Landing Page on RA

Learn More About Artificial Intelligence At The Recording Academy

Body Text 3: How The 68th Grammy Awards Pushed Advocacy Forward: Amplifying Urgent Issues & Strengthening Bonds With Capitol Hill

On Saturday, Jan. 31, the day before the [68th Grammy Awards](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/news/2026-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list), members of Congress and their staff were invited to attend Up Close With Grammy Nominees, an intimate briefing that paired policy discussion with live performances. Moderated by the Recording Academy's Chief Advocacy &amp; Public Policy Officer [Todd Dupler](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/todd-dupler-appointed-chief-advocacy-public-policy-officer), the lineup of conversations featured six-time Grammy winner [PJ Morton](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/pj-morton/4920), two-time Grammy winner [Molly Tuttle](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/molly-tuttle/52200), and entertainment attorney and [Recording Academy Memphis Chapter](https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/chapters/memphis) President Tim Kappel. Together, they offered insight into the creative process behind this year's Grammy-nominated work, real-world challenges facing today's music professionals, and emerging legal issues impacting copyright law. The program included special performances from Morton and Tuttle, who were both nominated at the 68th Grammy Awards, reinforcing the vital importance of human talent at the center of these policy conversations.

Attendees also received a guided tour of the historic Village Studios, where legendary artists like [Bob Dylan](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/bob-dylan/3014), [Pink Floyd](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/pink-floyd/15905), [The Rolling Stones](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/rolling-stones/8331), [Alicia Keys](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/alicia-keys/12104), and [Lady Gaga](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/lady-gaga/3611) recorded some of their most celebrated projects — a powerful reminder of music's enduring cultural legacy and economic impact.

Grammy Sunday began with a second congressional briefing — Behind The Scenes At The 68th GRAMMY Awards — which offered lawmakers an exclusive, backstage perspective on the morning of the telecast. The session further underscored the intersection of artistry, industry, and policy at a pivotal moment for creators.

Featured Content Block: 6 Ways Music Advocacy Benefits Everyone — Not Just Music Creators

https://therecordingacademy.com/content/news-article

6 Ways Music Advocacy Benefits Everyone — Not Just Music Creators

Body Text 4: How The 68th Grammy Awards Pushed Advocacy Forward: Amplifying Urgent Issues & Strengthening Bonds With Capitol Hill

The participation of members of Congress throughout Grammy Week reflects growing bipartisan recognition of music's cultural significance and economic impact. By engaging directly with artists and industry leaders, lawmakers gain valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges shaping today's creative economy.

These collaborations reinforce the importance of thoughtful legislative action to protect the rights, livelihoods, and futures of music creators. Through continued partnership with Capitol Hill, the Recording Academy is celebrating artistic excellence while also advancing a policy framework that ensures music — and those who make it — can thrive for generations to come.

Hero: How The 68th Grammy Awards Pushed Advocacy Forward: Amplifying Urgent Issues & Strengthening Bonds With Capitol Hill

Members of Congress pose with panelist and Grammy winner PJ Morton (front, center).

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How The 68th Grammy Awards Pushed Advocacy Forward

2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

From Leon Thomas to YUNGBLUD, these 2026 Grammys winners and nominees exemplify a long-standing commitment to music advocacy, demonstrating that artistic excellence and civic engagement go hand in hand.

BODY TEXT 1: 2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

The winners and nominees at the [2026 Grammys](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/news/2026-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list) exemplify a long-standing commitment to music advocacy, demonstrating that artistic excellence and civic engagement go hand in hand. Across genres and generations, these creators are using their platforms to protect music makers, advance smart policy, and strengthen the future of the creative community. From Leon Thomas leading [Music Advocacy Day 2025](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/2025-music-advocacy-day-recap) to YUNGBLUD pushing for responsible AI safeguards, their influence extends far beyond the stage.

## **Leon Thomas**

[Leon Thomas](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/leon-thomas-iii/252034) served as the [2025 Artist Ambassador for Music Advocacy Day](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/leon-thomas-music-advocacy-day-artist-ambassador-2025), the nation's largest grassroots advocacy movement for music creators. In this role, he helped mobilize Recording Academy members nationwide to support creators' rights and advocate for meaningful policy change. A vocal champion for artists, he also participated in [Grammys on the Hill Advocacy Day last year](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/series-or-collection/recording-academy-initiatives/grammys-hill-advocacy-day-2025-recap), meeting directly with members of Congress to discuss issues impacting music makers.

At the 2026 Grammys, Leon Thomas won the Grammy for Best R&amp;B Album for *[MUTT](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/news/leon-thomas-iii-interview-new-album-mutt)* and Best Traditional R&amp;B Performance for "VIBES DON'T LIE." He was also nominated for Best New Artist, Album of the Year (*MUTT*), Best R&amp;B Song ("YES IT IS"), and Best R&amp;B Performance "MUTT (Live From NPR's Tiny Desk)."

Featured Content Block - Advocacy (RA): 5 Things To Know About Leon Thomas, Music Advocacy Day's 2025 Artist Ambassador

5 Things To Know About Leon Thomas, Music Advocacy Day's 2025 Artist Ambassador

BODY TEXT 2: 2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

## **Yolanda Adams**

A four-time Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and past Recording Academy Trustee, [Yolanda Adams](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/yolanda-adams/105) has been a leading voice for creators for more than a decade. A former Co-Chair of the [Recording Academy's National Advocacy Committee](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/about/national-advocacy-committee), she has played a pivotal role in advancing artists' rights at both the federal and state levels.

In 2020, Adams testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Intellectual Property during a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) hearing, offering firsthand perspective on fair use. She has participated in Music Advocacy Day six times and was honored with the Creators Leadership Award at the [2019 Grammys on the Hill Awards](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/inside-2019-grammys-hill-awards-celebration).

Last year, Adams represented the [Recording Academy's Texas Chapter](https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/chapters/texas) in Austin, where the state government honored music advocates with official resolutions in both chambers and declared Feb. 18, 2025, as [Texas Music Advocacy Day](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/about/advocacy-milestones).

She was nominated for Best Gospel Album for *Sunny Days* at the 2026 Grammys.

## **YUNGBLUD**

Rock artist [YUNGBLUD](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/yungblud/61536) participated in Music Advocacy Day 2025, meeting in Nashville with staff from Sen. Bill Hagerty's (R-Tenn.) office to highlight the need to [protect creators from uncompensated AI exploitation](https://www.recordingacademy.com/about/artificial-intelligence) and advance bipartisan safeguards through the [NO FAKES Act](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/grammys-on-the-hill-2025-no-fakes-act-advocacy-martina-mcbride).

He won his first Grammy for Best Rock Performance for his cover of [Black Sabbath'](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/black-sabbath/8121)s "Changes" at the 2026 Grammys, where he was also nominated for Best Rock Album (*Idols* ) and Best Rock Song ("Zombie").

BODY TEXT 3: 2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

## **Sean Patrick Flahaven**

Grammy winner and five-time Grammy nominee [Sean Patrick Flahaven](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/sean-patrick-flahaven/287230) serves as a Trustee on the Recording Academy's National Advocacy Committee, which works closely with the Academy's [Advocacy &amp; Public Policy team](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/about) in Washington, D.C., to help shape the [organization's legislative priorities](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/issues-policy).

The producer, arranger, conductor, and music executive received a Grammy nomination for Best Musical Theater Album for *Death Becomes Her* at the 2026 Grammys.

## **Maggie Rose**

Nashville-based singer/songwriter [Maggie Rose](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/maggie-rose/58116) serves on the National Advocacy Committee, alongside Flahaven, and previously held the role of Nashville Chapter Advocacy Committee Co-Chair. In 2024, she [met with congressional staff](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/music-advocacy-day-2024-recap) during Music Advocacy Day to discuss AI policy, music tourism, and ticketing reform. She also hosted the [Grammys on the Hill Awards in 2023](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/pharrell-williams-grammys-on-the-hill-2022-awards-recap), further underscoring her commitment to creator rights.

At the 2026 Grammys, Rose earned her second Grammy nomination, receiving a nod for Best Americana Performance for "Poison In My Well."

Featured Content Block: Recording Academy Advocates For Artist-Friendly Ticketing Reform During California Arts Advocacy Day

Recording Academy Advocates For Artist-Friendly Ticketing Reform During California Arts Advocacy Day

BODY TEXT 4: 2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

## **Ledisi**

Grammy winner, 16-time Grammy nominee, and Recording Academy Trustee [Ledisi](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/Ledisi/4081) has been an active participant in Music Advocacy Day, including appearances in both 2024 and 2025. The Oakland-based singer/songwriter's advocacy has focused on pro-artist AI legislation, arts funding, and proactive ticketing reform.

Ledisi was nominated for Best R&amp;B Album (*The Crown*) and Best Traditional R&amp;B Performance ("LOVE YOU TOO") at the 2026 Grammys.

## **Kenyon Dixon**

A steadfast advocate for music and its makers, artist and producer [Kenyon Dixon](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/Kenyon-Dixon/38039) has met with lawmakers during both Music Advocacy Day and Grammys on the Hill for two consecutive years, discussing key policy priorities including the NO FAKES Act and music tourism legislation.

Dixon was nominated for two Grammys at the 2026 Grammys: Best Melodic Rap Performance ("WeMaj") and Best Progressive R&amp;B Album (*Come As You Are*).

Featured Content Block: Inside Music Advocacy Day 2025: 2,100 Creators, 200 Meetings & One Unified Voice

Inside Music Advocacy Day 2025: 2,100 Creators, 200 Meetings & One Unified Voice

BODY TEXT 5: 2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

## **Nicole Zuraitis**

Two-time Grammy winner and five-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist [Nicole Zuraitis](:blank:https://www.grammy.com/artists/nicole-zuraitis/243621) is a consistent advocate for pro-music policy. She has participated in Music Advocacy Day five years in a row and made her voice heard on Capitol Hill as part of Grammys on the Hill in both 2024 and 2025. Zuraitis was featured in the 2025 Winter Advocacy Conference in a discussion, available to watch in full below, outlining how independent creators can benefit from the [HITS Act](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/issues-policy/hits-act), which was [signed into law](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/hits-act-signed-into-law) last year.

Zuraitis earned two Grammy nominations at the 2026 Grammys: Best Jazz Vocal Album (*Live at Vic's Las Vegas*) and Best Jazz Performance ("All Stars Lead To You – Live").

BODY TEXT 6: 2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

## **ARKAI**

[ARKAI](:blank:https://grammy.com/artists/arkai/61541) are an electroacoustic duo known for defying genre boundaries. In 2025, ARKAI participated in Music Advocacy Day, meeting with Rep. Jerry Nadler's (D–N.Y.) office to advocate for stronger protections from generative AI on behalf of music creators and increased federal funding for the arts. They also performed the national anthem at the Grammys on the Hill Awards in 2024.

ARKAI became first-time Grammy winners this year, winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for *Brightside* at the 2026 Grammys.

## **Get Involved**

These Grammy winners and Grammy nominees highlight the powerful role advocacy plays in shaping the future of music. Learn how you can join the effort to support creators throughout the year by visiting our [Advocacy page](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy), following our [Facebook page](:blank:https://www.facebook.com/GRAMMYAdvocacy), and activating our [Music Advocacy Action tool](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/act).

Hero: 2026 Grammys: 9 Winners & Nominees Who Champion Music People & Advocacy

Leon Thomas accepts the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album award for 'MUTT' onstage during the 2026 Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony on Feb. 1 at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California.

Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

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9 Grammy Winners, Nominees Who Are Music Advocates

Advocacy In Action: How The Recording Academy Pushed State And Local Advocacy Forward In 2025

Last year, the Recording Academy expanded its advocacy work to support music creators through local advocacy days, expert testimony, and elevated engagements. Here are three key ways the Recording Academy's state and local advocacy initiatives made impact.

Body Text 1: Advocacy In Action: How The Recording Academy Pushed State And Local Advocacy Forward In 2025

Throughout 2025, the Recording Academy continued to expand its [advocacy work](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy) to support music creators at the state and local level. With its members mobilizing across 45 states and in Washington, D.C., the Academy pushed forward policies that strengthened protections for music creators and supported the broader music ecosystem through coordinated grassroots advocacy, powerful public testimony, and local member engagement. Here are three key ways the Recording Academy's state and local advocacy initiatives pushed music advocacy forward.

## **Grassroots Advocacy Begins At Home**

Local advocacy days at state capitols continue to be the [cornerstone of the Recording Academy's state-level advocacy work](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/state-advocacy-recap-recording-academy-2025). The Academy led six State Advocacy Days in 2025, with members participating in Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, California, Louisiana, and [New York](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/music-advocacy-louisiana-music-policy-new-york-lyrics-courtrooms-2025). Championing key issues from tax incentives for music to protections for creative expression to [artificial intelligence (AI) safeguards](https://www.recordingacademy.com/about/artificial-intelligence), Academy members mobilized nationwide to support music creators and fight for a sustainable creative economy.

Our work in state houses began with Texas Music Advocacy Day last February. Nearly two dozen Recording Academy members from the [Texas Chapter](https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/chapters/texas) met with state legislators in Austin to emphasize music's economic impact and advocate for SB 1960, legislation designed to protect Texas creators from unauthorized digital replicas. The day concluded with formal resolutions adopted by both legislative chambers recognizing Feb. 18 as Texas Music Advocacy Day. SB 1960 passed the State Senate in April and advanced to the House before the close of the 2025 legislative session.

Body Text 2: Advocacy In Action: How The Recording Academy Pushed State And Local Advocacy Forward In 2025

Last April, the Recording Academy's [Los Angeles](https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/chapters/los-angeles) and [San Francisco Chapters](https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/chapters/san-francisco) joined forces in Sacramento for [California Arts Advocacy Day](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/california-arts-advocacy-day-2025-ticketing-reform). Academy Members met with lawmakers to highlight ticketing issues affecting musicians and fans statewide and to urge reform to combat deceptive and predatory ticketing practices.

Recording Academy members in Louisiana traveled to Baton Rouge last May to engage with state lawmakers. During the visit, both chambers of the Louisiana legislature formally declared May 27 as Louisiana Music Advocacy Day, recognizing the state's musical heritage and the importance of its continued industry growth. Advocates met with state lawmakers to champion HB 653, a bill to strengthen Louisiana's sound recording tax credit program. The bill, which had already passed the House, cleared the Senate shortly after Music Advocacy Day. The Academy looks forward to working with legislators to reintroduce the legislation in the next session and see it signed into law.

Last June, [New York Chapter](https://www.recordingacademy.com/membership/chapters/new-york) members visited Albany to advocate for AB123, which would safeguard creative freedom by protecting artistic works from being introduced as evidence in court unless deemed directly relevant and admissible. The bill cleared the State Senate last March and advanced to the Assembly before the session ended. The Academy remains committed to advancing this bill in New York in 2026 and enacting similar protections in states across the country.

Featured Content Block: State-Level Advocacy In 2025: How The Recording Academy Is Championing Music Creators Nationwide

State-Level Advocacy In 2025: How The Recording Academy Is Championing Music Creators Nationwide

Body Text 3: Advocacy In Action: How The Recording Academy Pushed State And Local Advocacy Forward In 2025

## **Testifying Is The Key To Progress**

Beyond grassroots activations at state capitols, the Recording Academy regularly delivered expert testimony to state lawmakers on behalf of the music community and its creators throughout 2025. Academy members and staff were increasingly called upon to testify — both in person and virtually — and deliver written and oral testimony in eight jurisdictions: California, Virginia, Texas, Maryland, Louisiana, New Mexico, Washington, and the District of Columbia. This new front in our advocacy work resulted in several key wins.

Last February, the Recording Academy submitted written testimony opposing SB 5676, a harmful ticketing proposal in the state of Washington that would hurt artists and fans. The Academy warned that the bill would hinder anti-scalping efforts and impose costly mandates on smaller venues. Numerous arts and live performance organizations voiced similar concerns, and the bill ultimately failed to advance, resulting in a meaningful win for artists, fans, and independent venues across the state.

Last March, the Recording Academy's Chief Advocacy &amp; Public Policy Officer [Todd Dupler](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/todd-dupler-appointed-chief-advocacy-public-policy-officer) virtually testified before the Georgia House Creative Arts and Entertainment Committee in support of HB 566, a state bill to protect individuals from the misuse of AI to mimic their voice and likeness. Georgia, like Texas, was one of many states exploring AI safeguards for individuals following successful laws passed in [Tennessee](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/tennessee-victory-bill-lee-elvis-act), California, and Illinois.

Body Text 4: Advocacy In Action: How The Recording Academy Pushed State And Local Advocacy Forward In 2025

## **Advocacy: In Action &amp; Elevated**

Throughout 2025, the Recording Academy expanded its state and local activism through a variety of new engagements: Mayoral forums, round tables, and digital activations elevated music creators' voices and spotlighted pressing industry issues.

Last May, the Recording Academy's New York Chapter hosted a virtual town hall with state legislators, providing its members the opportunity to discuss creative expression, deepfake protections, and other state-level concerns. Additional member round tables and forums were held in Philadelphia, Oklahoma City, and Raleigh, North Carolina.

Last year, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis [proclaimed Oct. 1 as Music Advocacy Day](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/colorado-governor-declares-oct-1-music-advocacy-day) in the state of Colorado, recognizing the [Recording Academy's 11th annual nationwide initiative](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/2025-music-advocacy-day-recap) and commending the organization's leadership in advancing creators' rights. The governor's unique recognition of Music Advocacy Day highlighted iconic venues like Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, and Levitt Pavilion Denver, as well as the Colorado Music Industry Alliance (CMIA), affirming music's vital role in Colorado's identity and economy.

Body Text 5: Advocacy In Action: How The Recording Academy Pushed State And Local Advocacy Forward In 2025

Last October, the Recording Academy partnered with Louisiana Music Partners and the Music and Culture Coalition of New Orleans (MaCCNO) to host [Music Swings Votes](https://www.recordingacademy.com/advocacy/news/new-orleans-mayoral-candidate-forum-music-swings-votes), a mayoral candidate forum centered on New Orleans' vibrant music economy. Held three days ahead of the mayoral primary, the forum gave candidates the opportunity to share their visions for supporting the city's artist community. On Oct. 11, City Council Vice President Helene Moreno [won 55 percent of the vote](:blank:https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2025/10/12/election-mayor-results-helena-moreno-wins), securing the mayoralty without a runoff. Moreno plans to establish a dedicated team within the Office of Economic Development focused on the creative sector and aimed at generating new economic opportunities for music and the arts.

Most recently, Recording Academy members in New Jersey participated in a campaign urging state assemblymembers to oppose A5611, which would legalize speculative ticketing, remove key anti-fraud safeguards, and allow full transferability, pushing more tickets into uncontrolled resale. A5611 died in committee last December, a victory for New Jersey artists, venues, and music fans alike.

With 2025 now closed, these state-level victories reflect the Recording Academy's unwavering commitment to protecting and advancing the interests of music creators across the country. From coast to coast, the Academy's members have demonstrated the power of coordinated advocacy, engagement, and public testimony in shaping policies that strengthen the music ecosystem. Looking ahead, the Academy remains dedicated to building on this momentum and championing legislation that supports creators, protects artistic expression, and keeps music thriving in communities across the country.

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(L-R): Recording Academy Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Todd Dupler, Yolanda Adams, Paul Wall, Bobby Pulido, and Recording Academy Texas Chapter Senior Executive Director Christee Albino are recognized at the Texas Legislature for Texas Music Advocacy Day on Feb. 18, 2025.