LEGISLATION FOR THE 2012 INFORMAL SESSION TO ASK YOUR LEGISLATORS TO HELP PASS BY DECEMBER 31st 2012
(Informal session refers to the time after the formal session ends and usually only very noncontroversial pieces of legislation can be passed in informal session as the legislation can be struck down by one person objecting).
There are now thre pieces of Legislation that need to pass in informal session. These four bills will help Massachusetts artists of all disciplines and arts community of Massachusetts. Please help us pass them and also please share this information with any other Massachusetts resident who will help to pass them.
Note that #4 listed below was signed into law by Governor on Friday, Dec 21st!! The two pieces of legislation in House Committee on Ways & Means will need two phone calls/emails to push them toward becoming law. The Third one we are waiting for it to move in the House (see links below).
How to find out who your Legislators are: http://www.wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.aspx (please note that your State Representative and State Senator are listed under District Representatives)
LEGISLATION TO ASK YOUR LEGISLATORS TO HELP PASS:
1) An Act Protecting the Commercial Value of Artists, Entertainers and Other Notable Personalities Senate Bill S2382- The bill would allow a person and their family to protect the use of a person's images or personality in advertising, etc. Thirteen states have enacted statues that specify a transferable right to publicity that survives death. The bill was filed by Senator Rosenberg. It is key to support Intellectual Property rights of all artists. This IP protection is based on current copyright law/protection. It passed the Senate and needs to pass in the House. The Bill is in House Committee on Ways & Means. Best to contact your State Representative and the House Committee on Ways & Means*
2) An Act to Create the Position of Poet Laureate for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House Bill H00891 is now HB 4543- This bill creates an honorary poet laureate position. It was filed by Representative Sarah K. Peake and Representative Anne M. Gobi. The Bill is moving in the House and has been ordered for a Third Reading. Next step is for the House to vote to enact it. (after that it goes to the Senate). Best to contact your State Representative and let them know the bill is moving in the House and has a new bill number.
3) An Act Relative to the State House Art Commission and State House Architect House Bill 4124-The bill would establish a State House Art Commission, a State House Curator position, a State House Art Commission Fund, and a Nominating Committee to create a pool of candidates for the Governor to choose from to appoint an honorary State House Architect. Only the State House Curator is a paid position. The bill is in House Committee on Ways & Means. Best to contact your State Representative and the House Committee on Ways & Means*
4) Relative to the Art Commission for the City of Boston House Bill H3784- This bill brings the City of Boston’s Public Art Commission into the 21st Century by updating the membership and rules of the Commission. It was filed by Representative Byron Rushing. Other Representatives backing this bill: Martha M. Walz, Aaron Michlewitz, and Angelo M. Scaccia. It passed in the House and on Dec 13th it passed in the Senate. Both the House and Senate to voted to enact the legislation on Dec 17th. The Governor signed it into law on Dec 21st.
*House Committee contact info: House Committee on Ways & Means, Room 237, State House, Boston, MA 02133 Tel: (617) 722-2380) - The Chair is Rep Brian S. Dempsey, Vice Chair Rep Stephen Kulik, and Assistant Vice Chair is Rep Martha M. Walz.
More info on House Ways & Means: http://www.malegislature.gov/Committees/House/H34