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MA H1751

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

Kate Hogan

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Establishes a property right in an individual's "persona" (name, voice, mannerisms, signature, photograph, likeness) that can be transferred, assigned, or licensed during life or by will
  • Prohibits unauthorized use of a person's persona for commercial purposes, fundraising, or digital alteration that depicts them saying or doing things without consent, with protection lasting 70 years after death
  • Violators are liable for the greater of $2,000 or actual damages plus profits, and courts may issue injunctions, impound infringing materials, and award attorney's fees
  • Exempts news reporting, public interest coverage, original fine art, literary and theatrical works, and portrayals of public officials for non-commercial purposes
  • Applies to all acts occurring in Massachusetts regardless of the individual's domicile or citizenship

Legislative Description

Concerning a right of publicity

Last Action

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

10/20/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available