The Artist Rights Watch

S4E10: The AI Moratorium Lives on in Senate Big Beautiful Bill

In this episode, we break down the little-known but sweeping amendment buried in the Senate version of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) being debated this week.  The amendment--which is now characterized as a "temporary pause" to make the 10 years seem trivial--would block states, cities, and even school districts from regulating artificial intelligence for ten years—if they accept federal broadband funding. Framed deceptively as a "temporary pause," this provision threatens hard-fought protections like Tennessee’s ELVIS Act and local school oversight rules while giving Big Tech a free pass to grow unregulated.

We explore the constitutional challenges, the state-level opposition, and how the amendment functions as a regulatory Trojan horse—allowing only pro-AI laws while forbidding anything that might slow it down, no matter the cost to artists, educators, and consumers.

Reading Materials: 

“Temporary” Tyranny: Senate is Voting on The 10-Year AI Moratorium That Silences States and Artists

AI Moratorium in Senate Version of One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Governors Letter Opposing AI Safe Harbor Moratorium

🔍 In This Episode:

• Why the "pause" on AI regulation is anything but temporary

• How federal broadband dollars are being weaponized to suppress state and local laws

• The threat to the Tennessee ELVIS Act and biometric protections

• The legal case against the moratorium: Spending Clause, Tenth Amendment, Equal Protection

• How public schools could lose the power to control AI in classrooms

• The growing bipartisan resistance from state AGs, governors, and legislators

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📚 Referenced Laws & Cases:

• Tennessee ELVIS Act (2024)

• Illinois BIPA, California Deepfake Law, and others

• NFIB v. Sebelius – Spending Clause precedent

• Printz v. United States, Murphy v. NCAA – Tenth Amendment

• Equal Protection & Due Process Clause applications
  
  #AIMoratorium #BigBeautifulBill #StateRights #ELVISAct #ArtistRights #EducationPolicy #BroadbandFunding #FederalOverreach #ConstitutionalLaw #SpendingClause #10thAmendment #BiometricPrivacy #Deepfakes #StudentPrivacy #StopThePause #BigTechAccountability #AIRegulation #LocalControl #CreatorsRights #MusicIndustry

Terms of Service and Copyright; NO AI DATA SCRAPING

The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney. Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this video nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems. Subject to Terms of Service at

https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf 

 

S4E9: Pressing Matters: Tariffs Are Killing the US Vinyl Business

Brought to you by the Artist Rights Institute www.artistrightsinstitute.org

Host: Chris Castle

In this episode of the Artist Rights Watch Podcast, we dig into a story that affects artists, fans, and the entire music ecosystem—how outdated U.S. trade policy is quietly strangling America’s vinyl pressing industry.

While demand for vinyl continues to climb, independent U.S. manufacturers face steep tariffs on the raw materials they need—like nickel, PVC, steel, and paperboard. Meanwhile, finished records can be imported tariff-free. It’s a textbook case of policy failure that rewards offshore production and punishes domestic creators.

We explore how this imbalance hurts artists, independent pressing plants, and local economies—and what can be done to fix it.

🔍 What We Cover:

• Why vinyl records are tariff-free but not the materials used to make them

• How the Berman Amendment protects culture—but fails U.S. producers

• The crisis around lacquer disc supply and the lack of DMM machines in the U.S.

• How foreign ownership and inter-company transfers create unfair advantages

• Actionable policy reforms to support domestic cultural manufacturing
  
  

  🔗 References & Resources:

  • Full blog post:
    Why Tariffs Are Quietly Undermining the American Vinyl Comeback (MusicTechPolicy)

  • Berman Amendment – 50 U.S.C. § 1702(b)(3):
    Legal Text – LII / Cornell

  • U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS):
    U.S. International Trade Commission

  • Vinyl Institute – Advocacy for PVC Producers:
    vinylinfo.org

  • Chlor-Vinyl Industry Alliance (CVIA):
    chlorvinyl.org

  • Overview of Direct Metal Mastering (DMM):
    Wikipedia – DMM
    
    

    🔔 Follow Artist Rights Watch:

    • Blog: artistrightswatch.com

    • Twitter: @artistrights

    • Institute:  www.artistrightsinstitute.org
      
      
      #VinylRevival #MusicPolicy #TradePolicy #Tariffs #PressingPlants #IndependentMusic #LacquerShortage #CulturalInfrastructure #ArtistRights #VinylRecords #MadeInUSA #MusicIndustry #SupportLocalMusic #AnalogIsBack #VinylManufacturing
      
      

      Terms of Service and Copyright; NO AI DATA SCRAPING

      The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney. Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this video nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems. Subject to Terms of Service at

      https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf 

       

S4E8: The Hidden AI Power Grab Inside Trump’s OBBBA Bill

Congress’s biggest bill—the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—is a must-pass package President Trump campaigned on. But buried inside is a sweeping AI moratorium, crafted by a Google-funded think tank, that would block states from enforcing AI laws. In this episode, we explore the moratorium’s constitutional flaws, the bipartisan backlash it’s triggering, and what its passage could mean for the future of AI regulation in America.

#AIRegulation #OBBBA #AIMoratorium #StateRights #Federalism #ByrdRule

Further Reading & Sources

Chris Castle’s original post on the AI Moratorium:
https://musictech.solutions/2025/06/07/the-obbbas-ai-moratorium-provision-has-existential-constitutional-concerns-and-policy-implications/

40 State Attorneys General Oppose AI Moratorium
https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/attachments/press-docs/2025.05.15-Letter-to-Congress-re-Proposed-AI-Preemption-_FINAL.pdf

Senate Commerce Committee action on AI moratorium (news coverage):
https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-06-06/senate-republicans-revise-ban-on-state-ai-regulations-in-bid-to-preserve-controversial-provision 

One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) text:
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1/text

Byrd Rule summary (Senate glossary):
https://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/byrd_rule.htm

NFIB v. Sebelius (SCOTUS ruling on federal coercion via funding):
https://www.oyez.org/cases/2011/11-393

IAPP: US House Committee Seeks Moratorium on State AI Rules:https://iapp.org/news/a/policy-analysis-us-house-committee-seeks-moratorium-on-state-AI-rules/

National Council of State Legislatures Opposing Moratorium: https://www.ncsl.org/resources/details/ncsl-urges-congress-to-oppose-ai-moratorium-on-states

Terms of Service and Copyright; NO AI DATA SCRAPING

The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney. Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this video nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems. Subject to Terms of Service at

https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf 

 

S4E7: The AI Moratorium in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

Can the AI Moratorium Survive the Byrd Rule on Germaneness https://musictech.solutions/2025/05/22/now-what-can-the-ai-moratorium-survive-the-byrd-rule-on-germaneness/

One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Latest Version https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/91

Meet Adam Thierer, an architect of the AI Safe Harbor https://musictechpolicy.com/2025/05/29/meet-adam-thierer-an-architect-of-the-ai-safe-harbor-moratorium/

 

The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney. Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this video nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems. Subject to Terms of Service at

https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf

S4E6: An Artist Guide to Record Releases Part 3: Jay Gilbert on Release Marketing

Planning the release of your record is one of the most consequential events in an artist's career. Music marketing expert Jay Gilbert of Label Logic gives you tips on planning that release https://www.jaygilbertconsulting.com/label-logic/

Go to the ARI Financial Education vertical for the slides and release planner https://www.artistrightsinstitute.org/financial-education/an-artists-guide-to-record-releases-part-3-jay-gilbert-on-marketing-plans-and-scheduling

The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney. Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this video nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems. Subject to Terms of Service at

https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf

S4E5: An Artist's Guide to a Record Release Checklist Part 2: Artwork, Credits and Legal Lines

Music attorney Chris Castle presents the record release checklist.  In part 2, he covers artwork, credits and legal lines.  For the part 2 checklist, visit the ARI website https://www.artistrightsinstitute.org/financial-education/an-artists-guide-to-record-releases-part-2-1, and also listen to Episode 4 https://www.artistrightsinstitute.org/financial-education/a-artists-guide-to-record-releases-part-1

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this podcast nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems.

Subject to Terms of Service at https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf

 

S4E4: An Artist's Guide to a Record Release Checklist Part 1: Recordings and Songs

Music attorney Chris Castle presents the record release checklist.  In part 1, he covers sound recordings and songs, work for hire agreements, union issues, guest artists and step outs, courtesy credits, song split agreements and producers.  For the checklist, visit the ARI website https://www.artistrightsinstitute.org/financial-education/a-artists-guide-to-record-releases-part-1

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this podcast nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems.

Subject to Terms of Service at https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf

 

S4E3: AI Legislation, A View from Europe: Helienne Lindvall, President of the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA) and ARI Director Chris Castle in conversation.

AI Legislation, A View from Europe: Helienne Lindvall, President of the European Composer and Songwriter Alliance (ECSA) and ARI Director Chris Castle in conversation regarding current issues for creators regarding the EU AI Act and the UK Text and Data Mining legislation.

The European Composer and Songwriter Alliance: http://www.composeralliance.org

EU Artificial Intelligence Act: https://artificialintelligenceact.eu/implementation-documents/

Artist Rights Institute, Submission to UK Intellectual Property Office AI Consultation https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ari-comment-in-ipo-consultation-v-f.pdf

Artist Rights Symposium, Washington DC, George York on International AI Legislation https://www.artistrightsinstitute.org/symposium-2024/overview-of-international-ai-legislation

Follow Helienne on X: http://www.twitter.com/helienne

and Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/helienne-lindvall/

Artist Rights Watch is a production of the Artist Rights Institute in Austin, Texas http://www.artistrightsinstitute.org

The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. Neither this podcast nor any transcript may be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems.

Subject to Terms of Service at https://artistrightswatchdotcom.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf

 

S4E2: Can Songwriters Unionize? Chris Castle and Kevin Casini discuss union and health care options for songwriters

Artist Rights Institute Director Chris Castle and music attorney Kevin Casini discuss union organizing, collective bargaining and health care issues for songwriters.

The information provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. This podcast or any transcript may not be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems.

Important resources:

Music Health Alliance https://www.musichealthalliance.com

Health Alliance for Austin Musician http://www.myhaam.org

See discussion of Canada's Mechanical License Agreement https://musictechpolicy.com/2012/01/1...

Controlled Compositions Part 1 https://musictechpolicy.com/2010/03/2... and Controlled Compositions and Frozen Mechanicals https://musictechpolicy.com/2020/10/1...

Podcast terms of use https://artistrightswatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/arw-podcast-terms-of-use-v-2-e-tx.pdf

 

S4E1: Tim Kappel discusses landmark copyright termination case with Chris Castle and Abby North

Attorney Tim Kappel won the landmark copyright termination case for his client Cyril Vetter who got a reversion of the worldwide copyright in his song Double Shot of My Baby's Love. He discusses the case with publisher Abby North and music lawyer and Artist Rights Institute director Chris Castle.

For court documents see https://musictechpolicy.com/2025/02/13/mtp-interview-attorney-tim-kappel-and-abby-north-discuss-vetter-v-resnick-case-with-chris-castle/

The information provided in this video is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation for legal services. The views and opinions expressed are those of the moderators and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organization or legal entity. If you need legal advice, please consult with a qualified attorney.

Copyright 2025, Artist Rights Institute. All Rights Reserved. This video or any transcript may not be used for text or data mining or for the purpose of training artificial intelligence models or systems.