Bill > HB6150

This bill, titled the "identity, consent, ownership, and name rights act," establishes new regulations for the use of an individual's name, likeness (any readily identifiable representation or image, including digital ones), voice (any sound readily identifiable as belonging to an individual, even if simulated), or image for commercial purposes. Generally, it prohibits any person or entity from using these elements for trade without the individual's written consent. However, there are several exceptions, including uses related to news, public affairs, sports broadcasts, commentary, criticism, scholarship, satire, parody, documentaries or historical/biographical works (unless intended to create a false impression of participation), fleeting or incidental uses, and advertisements for these permitted uses. Photographers are also allowed to exhibit specimens of their work unless the portrayed individual objects. The bill declares an individual's name, likeness, voice, or image as their exclusive personal and intellectual property, which can be licensed, transferred, or inherited for up to 10 years after their death, with potential extensions for estates demonstrating continued public use for up to 70 years. Individuals whose rights are violated can sue for injunctions, actual damages, treble damages for knowing violations, or a flat $10,000 per violation, along with other appropriate relief.