Bill > HB1400

This bill, known as the Georgia Artist-Promoter Fair Practices Act, aims to increase transparency and fairness in the live performance industry by requiring promoters and venues to provide clear written disclosures to artists regarding performance-related fees, which are defined as any charges imposed for the opportunity to perform, such as opening act fees or marketing buy-ins. Specifically, promoters and venues must disclose the amount, purpose, and refundability of these fees before they are paid, and failure to do so creates a strong presumption of a deceptive practice. The bill also mandates itemized receipts for any such fees paid and requires disclosure of performance details like set length and load-in times. Artists who pay performance-related fees more than 14 days in advance have a 48-hour window to rescind the payment, with refunds due within ten business days, though this right ends once the performance occurs. Promoters and venues are prohibited from retaliating against artists for requesting disclosures or refusing undisclosed fees, and venues are only held responsible for deceptive fees if they have actual knowledge of them and directly benefit from them, with a safe harbor provided if they reasonably rely on a promoter's compliance. Violations will be handled under existing civil remedies, with enforcement by the Attorney General and potential for actual and punitive damages for artists, but no criminal penalties. The act includes exemptions for licensed talent agencies, non-profit showcases with uniform fees, and charitable events without performance-related fees, and it will take effect on July 1, 2026.

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https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73442