As I stood within the confines of the recording studio, immersed in the creative process, an email from The SAG-AFTRA Union popped up on my phone, signaling a matter of utmost importance. It wasn't about the latest industry trends or scheduling logistics; it was a call to action for a cause that strikes at the very heart of performers' rights.
The message highlighted a new bill, AB 2602, currently under consideration by the California Legislature. This legislation aims to address a pressing issue: the unauthorized use of performers' voices and likenesses by employers. Far too often, these rights are buried in obscure legal jargon, leaving performers vulnerable to exploitation. AB 2602 seeks to change this by requiring clear and conspicuous permissions for such usage.
We call it "informed consent," and it's a principle that should underpin all digital uses of a performer's voice or image. This bill would establish informed consent as a mandatory requirement for any transfer of these critical rights, ensuring that performers have full control over how their talents are utilized.
The importance of AB 2602 cannot be overstated. It's a vital step towards safeguarding the livelihoods of performers and ensuring that their voices are heard — both literally and figuratively. But for this bill to become law, lawmakers need to hear from us, the members of the community who will be directly impacted by its provisions.
The state Assembly's Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee is set to discuss AB 2602 on Tuesday, April 23. They need to understand just how crucial this legislation is for performers across California. That's why it's essential for each of us to lend our voices to this cause.
If you believe in protecting performers' rights, I urge you to join me in supporting AB 2602. Share this message on your social media platforms, raise awareness among your peers, and most importantly, reach out to your representatives directly. Let them know that you stand behind this bill and that you expect them to do the same.
To make your voice heard, tag the committee members listed below and contact your representative through the link provided. Your actions matter, and it's through collective effort that we can bring about meaningful change.
Thank you for your unwavering support. Together, we can ensure that performers' rights are respected and upheld for generations to come.
Committee Members: @BauerKahan, @AsmJoePatterson, @isaacgbryan, @DianeDixonAD72, @joshua_hoover, @ASM_Irwin, @AsmLowenthal, @AsmLizOrtega, @asmchrisward, @BuffyWicks, @AsmLoriDWilson.
Contact Your Representative: [https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/](https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/)
Let's make our voices heard!