Bill > S00823

This bill defines and establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for model management companies and model management groups in New York State, introducing several key provisions to protect models' rights and establish clear business standards. The bill creates a new definition for "model management group" as two or more model management companies majority-owned by the same parent entity, and mandates that these companies register with the state labor department, paying a registration fee ranging from $500 to $700 depending on their number of employees. Model management companies and groups are required to act with a fiduciary duty to the models they represent, ensuring good faith, honesty, and integrity in all aspects of representation. The bill restricts several problematic practices, such as charging models upfront fees, imposing contracts longer than three years, or taking commissions greater than 20% of a model's compensation. Additionally, it establishes strict consent requirements for creating or using digital replicas of models, mandates detailed deal memos for each engagement, and provides mechanisms for models to file complaints about potential violations. The registration requirements will take effect one year after the bill becomes law, giving companies time to adapt to the new regulations, with the overall aim of creating more transparent, fair, and protective working conditions in the modeling industry.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S823