(Updated September 25, 2006)

H.R. 1036
 Amending title 17, United States Code, Making Technical Corrections Relating to Copyright Royalty Judges

Floor Situation

The House considered H.R. 1036, under suspension of the rules, on November 16, 2005. It is debatable for 40 minutes, may not be amended, and requires a two-thirds majority vote for passage.

Summary

H.R. 1036 amends provisions regarding copyright royalty judges to: (1) make technical changes; (2) provide that Copyright Royalty Judges (CRJs) are to act in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act; (2) include prior determinations and interpretations of copyright arbitration royalty panels that are not inconsistent with a decision of the Librarian of Congress or the Register of Copyrights among the precedents that CRJs must consider; and (3) require that the Librarian of Congress receive authorization from the CRJs before distributing statutory licensing fees for secondary transmissions by cable systems or satellite carriers even when no controversy about such distribution exists.

Legislative History

H.R. 1036 was introduced by Rep. Smith (TX) on March 2, 2005. The bill was reported from the Judiciary Committee by voice vote on March 9, 2005.  House Report  109-64 was filed on April 28, 2005. The House passed H.R. 1036, by a voice vote, on November 16, 2005. The Senate passed the bill with amendments, by unanimous consent, on July 19, 2006.

For additional information or questions, please contact the Judiciary Committee at 5-3951.