The Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act was introduced in the House this week — a step toward further protecting the First Amendment rights of artists.

On Wed. July 27th, Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) introduced the Restoring Artistic Protection (RAP) Act into the House of Representatives in an effort to protect the First Amendment rights of artists nationwide by putting a stop to the use of an artist's lyrics as evidence in criminal and civil proceedings.

Upon the bill's introduction, Rep. Johnson and Rep. Bowman released a joint statement outlining the importance of passing this legislation.

As they pointed out, "The First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of expression. But freedom of expression is stifled when safeguards are not in place to ensure that an artist's art is not wrongfully used as evidence against that artist. The RAP Act puts those safeguards in place to ensure that First Amendment protection is a reality for all artists in America."

While this issue has been taken up in various states — including efforts supported by the Recording Academy like AB 2799, the Decrimializing Artistic Expression Act, in California — the RAP Act is the first of its kind at the federal level, and one necessary to upholding every creator's right to artistic expression.

As of 2020, there have been more than 500 instances of prosecutors using lyrics against an artist during trial. Most recently, GRAMMY winner and four-time nominee Young Thug and two-time GRAMMY nominee Gunna have come under the microscope for the use of their lyrics in criminal charges filed against them.

Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason jr., and Chair of the Recording Academy's Black Music Collective, Rico Love, released a statement in support of this monumental bill: 

"Today's introduction of the RAP Act in the House of Representatives is a crucial step forward in the ongoing battle to stop the weaponization of creative expression as a prosecution tactic," they stated. The bias against rap music has been present in our judicial system for far too long, and it's time we put an end to this unconstitutional practice.

"We extend our gratitude to Representatives Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) for their leadership on this issue," they continued, "and we will continue to work closely with them to advance the protections in this bill that ensure all artists can create freely without fear of their work being criminalized."

The Fight For Music Maker's Rights Continues This Summer: Four Key Questions For A Busy Legislative Season

The Biggest Week in Music in Washington D.C. is just around the corner. The Recording Academy’s annual GRAMMYs on the Hill kicks off Tuesday, April 8, with the 2025 GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, followed by Advocacy Day on Wednesday, April 9, and the second annual Future Forum on Thursday, April 10.

For over 20 years, the Recording Academy has returned to Washington to honor congressional leaders and music creators who are champions for creators' rights, and to meet with lawmakers to highlight pressing issues facing the music community.

This year, the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards will honor seven-time GRAMMY winner Randy Travis with the Creators Leadership Award. Despite a life-altering stroke in 2013, Travis has remained a passionate advocate for fair pay and copyright protections for artists. In 2024, he testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet to help spotlight the lack of royalties for artists on terrestrial radio during a hearing titled  "Radio, Music, and Copyrights: 100 Years of Inequity for Recording Artists." 

Watch: House Judiciary Subcommittee Holds "Radio, Music And Copyrights: 100 Years Of Inequity For Recording Artists" Hearing

Past Artist Honorees include:

• Nine-time GRAMMY winner, Sheryl Crow 

• 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharell Williams 

• Five-time GRAMMY-winning duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis 

• Four-time GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams 

• Two-time GRAMMY winner Garth Brooks  

• 15-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys 

• Three-time GRAMMY-winning group Zac Brown Band 

• Seven-time GRAMMY winner John Mayer 

• Four-time GRAMMY winner Missy Elliot 

• Four-time GRAMMY winner Keith Urban 

• Three-time GRAMMY winner Gloria Estefan 

The 2025 congressional honorees are Representatives Ron Estes (R-KS) and Linda Sánchez (D-CA), who are being recognized for their leadership and collaborative efforts championing key policies in support of the music community. Together, they reintroduced the bipartisan Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, which would allow independent artists to deduct up to $150,000 in recording costs from their taxes in the year they were incurred, incentivizing creativity and empowering smaller artists. 

Read more: GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025: How Reps. Linda Sánchez & Ron Estes Are Fighting For Music Creators’ Rights

Past Lawmaker Honorees include: 

• Then-Vice President Joe Biden 

• Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) 

• Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) 

• Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) 

• Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton 

• Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) 

• Former Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) 

• Former Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) 

As this year’s GRAMMYs on the Hill approaches, join us in advocating for a future that prioritizes human artistry. Contact your representatives and urge them to support the HITS Act, the NO FAKES Act, and increased arts funding. 

What Is GRAMMYs On The Hill?

GRAMMYs on the Hill is a three-day event that includes the GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, Advocacy Day, and the Future Forum. The program brings together music creators and lawmakers to advocate for legislation that strengthens creators' rights and to celebrate individuals and elected officials who have made a lasting impact on the music community.

At the Awards, the Recording Academy honors both a creator and two members of Congress for their advocacy work. During Advocacy Day, GRAMMY winners and nominees join the Academy on Capitol Hill for face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress and lawmakers to share their personal stories and push for change on critical music issues.

The Future Forum, now in its second year, will explore global and local music economies and highlight the importance of cultural exchange and DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) in music. Panel conversations will explore how to build sustainable and equitable music communities.

Get all the details on the events happening during Music's Biggest Week in Washington D.C. — GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards, Advocacy Day, and Future Forum — on the Recording Academy’s Advocacy Page.  

This Year's Top Legislative Priorities

NO FAKES Act: The Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act would establish the first-ever federal protections for creators' image, voice, and likeness. The bill would ensure artists maintain control of their digital identity and prevent the unauthorized use of AI-generated deep fakes by setting a national standard that holds  individuals, companies, and platforms accountable.

HITS Act: The Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act is a bipartisan bill that would support independent artists and songwriters by allowing them to deduct up to $150,000 in music production costs from their taxes in the year those expenses are incurred. The legislation updates the tax code to treat music production like film, TV, and theater — making it easier and more affordable to create new music.

Get Involved

Ahead of GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025, join us in advocating for a future that prioritizes human artistry. Contact your representatives and urge them to support the HITS Act, the NO FAKES Act, and increased arts funding. Download our official GRAMMYs On The Hill social media toolkit and join the conversation online.m to support the HITS Act, the NO FAKES Act, and vital investments in the arts. 

Follow the Recording Academy’s ongoing efforts and take action by visiting the Advocacy page.

Read more: GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025 Honorees Announced: Randy Travis, U.S. Representatives Linda Sánchez & Ron Estes

Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) have emerged as key allies in the fight for music creators’ rights. As honorees at the 2025 GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards on Tuesday, April 8, in Washington, D.C., they are being recognized for their bipartisan leadership in advancing legislation that uplifts and protects working musicians, songwriters, and producers. The annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards will also honor seven-time GRAMMY winner Randy Travis.

A former labor lawyer and lifelong progressive, Rep. Linda Sánchez has built her career fighting for working families and championing policies that help artists, small businesses, and caregivers thrive. A fifth-generation Kansan and former state treasurer, Rep. Ron Estes brings a background in engineering and business to his role in Congress, where he champions fair tax policy, economic opportunity, and support for working families and veterans. Both lawmakers have been instrumental in reintroducing the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act — a vital tax reform bill that allows independent artists to deduct production costs upfront, rather than over several years. This commonsense change helps creators reinvest in their work and sustain their careers in an increasingly competitive music landscape.

"When differences too often separate us, music remains a powerful force that unites us," Rep. Sánchez said in a statement. "GRAMMYs on the Hill is a testament to that power, and I'm deeply honored to be recognized for our efforts to pass the HITS Act. This legislation empowers creators to reinvest in their craft, free from the financial burden of delayed tax deductions, ensuring they can continue making the music that brings us all together."

"It is a true honor to receive an award from the Recording Academy, especially since my greatest contribution to music is as a listener and not as a music creator," Rep. Estes said in a statement. "I've seen and heard firsthand the dedication, productivity, and talent embodied in music creators, including musicians, songwriters, sound techs, studio managers, and more. Music crosses political divides, and I've been pleased to partner with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide fair tax treatment to artists and creators with the bipartisan HITS Act."

As longtime participants in GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day and ongoing collaborators with the Recording Academy, Reps. Sánchez and Estes exemplify how lawmakers can make a tangible difference for creators. Their leadership helps ensure that artists can not only survive — but thrive — in today’s evolving music ecosystem.

Join us in advocating for a future that prioritizes human artistry. Contact your representatives and urge them to support the HITS Act. Download our official GRAMMYs On The Hill social media toolkit and join the conversation online.

Learn more about GRAMMYs on the Hill:

Since its inception, GRAMMYs on the Hill has honored dozens of award-winning artists, including 16-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, seven-time GRAMMY winner John Mayer, 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams, nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow, and more. The annual event has also recognized influential congressional leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), former Speakers of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and many others. GRAMMYs on the Hill has led to several major legislative victories for the music industry, including the landmark Music Modernization Act in 2018 and, more recently, the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act in 2022. 

Year-round, the Recording Academy's Washington, D.C.-based Advocacy team mobilizes Academy members and music professionals from across the country to present a powerful lobbying force that fights for music creators' rights at the local, state and federal levels. In 2024, the Academy helped pass five pro-music laws, supported 20 state and federal bills, and rallied more than 3,500 members to engage in music advocacy efforts nationwide. Learn more about the Recording Academy's advocacy impact in our GRAMMY Impact 2024 report. 

The Recording Academy today announced the return of GRAMMYs on the Hill 2025, music's biggest week in Washington, D.C. Taking place Tuesday, April 8, through Thursday, April 10, in Washington, D.C., GRAMMYs on the Hill is an annual music advocacy initiative uniting congressional leaders and music makers to champion creators' rights and honor those who have helped shape a better future for music.

This year, the annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards will honor seven-time GRAMMY winner Randy Travis and United States Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) for their commitment to advancing pro-music policy. The following day, the Academy's annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day will bring together GRAMMY winners and nominees, along with other esteemed industry leaders, for meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss critical music policy issues. The three-day event culminates with the Academy's second annual GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum, a conference exploring critical issues impacting the music community.

See a detailed schedule of events for GRAMMYs on the Hill 2025:

GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards: Tuesday, April 8

The GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards will celebrate Travis and United States Representatives Sánchez and Estes for their contributions to strengthening the music ecosystem and championing creators' rights. GRAMMY-nominated and GRAMMY-winning artists, songwriters, and producers will join music industry leaders and lawmakers in Washington, D.C., for an evening dedicated to celebrating music advocacy.

GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day: Wednesday, April 9

Dozens of GRAMMY-nominated and GRAMMY-winning artists, songwriters and producers will join the Recording Academy on Capitol Hill for a grassroots day of advocacy. Music makers in attendance will meet with members of Congress to advocate for the key legislative priorities impacting music creators, including:

• Promoting new music through essential tax relief to independent artists and songwriters, enabling them to deduct 100% of production costs — up to $150,000 — upfront, rather than over multiple years, through the bipartisan Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act

• Protecting creators' image, likeness and voice from unauthorized creation and use of digital replicas through the NO FAKES Act

• Preserving continued federal support for the arts and cultural institutions that enrich and strengthen the cultural fabric of America

GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum: Thursday, April 10

GRAMMYs on the Hill Future Forum will explore how we can help build up music communities both locally and globally. Compelling conversations will focus on the work state and local stakeholders are doing to develop and sustain music economies as well as the challenges and opportunities facing new and emerging music markets around the world.

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Learn more about GRAMMYs on the Hill: 

Since its inception, GRAMMYs on the Hill has honored dozens of award-winning artists, including 16-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys, seven-time GRAMMY winner John Mayer, 13-time GRAMMY winner Pharrell Williams, nine-time GRAMMY winner Sheryl Crow, and more. The annual event has also recognized influential congressional leaders, including Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), former Speakers of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and many others. GRAMMYs on the Hill has led to several major legislative victories for the music industry, including the landmark Music Modernization Act in 2018 and, more recently, the PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act in 2022.

Year-round, the Recording Academy's Washington, D.C.-based Advocacy team mobilizes Academy members and music professionals from across the country to present a powerful lobbying force that fights for music creators' rights at the local, state and federal levels. In 2024, the Academy helped pass five pro-music laws, supported 20 state and federal bills, and rallied more than 3,500 members to engage in music advocacy efforts nationwide. Learn more about the Recording Academy's advocacy impact in our GRAMMY Impact 2024 report.

Ahead of GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025, join us in advocating for a future that prioritizes human artistry. Contact your representatives and urge them to support the HITS Act, the NO FAKES Act, and increased arts funding. Download our official GRAMMYs On The Hill social media toolkit and join the conversation online.

Learn more about the GRAMMYs on the Hill 2025 honorees:

Randy Travis

Randy Travis, a seven-time GRAMMY winner, Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, and multiplatinum country artist, is being recognized for his work championing fair compensation and protections for artists in the evolving digital age. In 2024, he testified on Capitol Hill in support of the American Music Fairness Act, which aims to ensure artists are fairly compensated when their songs air on AM/FM radio. He is also committed to promoting the ethical use of AI, ensuring it serves as a tool to empower and protect the creative integrity of artists.

"At this point in my life, I am fully focused on living and giving back," Travis said in a statement. "I've been part of the music community my whole life, professionally for 40 years. I am passionate about advocating to keep music an honest pursuit of art and human expression. While I remain excited about new, cutting-edge technologies, we must protect, and fairly compensate, the creative minds that give us the music — and art — that feeds our souls."

United States Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS)

Representatives Sánchez and Estes are being honored for their leadership in championing policies that empower and protect musicians. Together, they re-introduced the HITS Act in Congress in January 2025 to advance crucial tax reforms to ensure independent music creators can thrive.

"When differences too often separate us, music remains a powerful force that unites us," Rep. Sánchez said in a statement. "GRAMMYs on the Hill is a testament to that power, and I'm deeply honored to be recognized for our efforts to pass the HITS Act. This legislation empowers creators to reinvest in their craft, free from the financial burden of delayed tax deductions, ensuring they can continue making the music that brings us all together."

"It is a true honor to receive an award from the Recording Academy, especially since my greatest contribution to music is as a listener and not as a music creator," Rep. Estes said said in a statement. "I've seen and heard firsthand the dedication, productivity, and talent embodied in music creators, including musicians, songwriters, sound techs, studio managers, and more. Music crosses political divides, and I've been pleased to partner with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide fair tax treatment to artists and creators with the bipartisan HITS Act."

"GRAMMYs on the Hill plays a pivotal role in improving the lives of music creators, and we're thrilled to see it evolve into a full week of advocacy, celebration and learning," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. said in a statement. "I'm excited to bring our music community and policymakers together in Washington — not just to celebrate the changemakers fighting for creators' rights, but to unite and take action to improve the livelihoods of music people across the country."

The Recording Academy has hit the ground running in 2025, spearheading state-level advocacy efforts across the country. Through coordinated action, member involvement, and strong public testimony, the Recording Academy continues its mission to protect and empower music creators on every level.

From securing a state resolution in Texas to opposing harmful ticketing legislation in Washington, here are several key areas where the Academy continues to fight for policies that support the music community: 

Texas Music Advocacy Day 

On February 18, the Recording Academy Texas Chapter hosted its biennial Music Advocacy Day at the state capital in Austin. Nearly two dozen Academy members met with state legislators to highlight the importance of music to the Texas economy and urge support for two key legislative priorities. First, advocates pushed for SB 549/HB 172, which would provide dedicated funding for music education in Texas schools. In addition, they advocated for new legislation to protect creators' voices and likenesses  against AI exploitation. Just two weeks later, SB 1960 was introduced to protect Texas creators from unauthorized digital replicas.

The day’s efforts culminated on the floors of both the Texas House and Senate, where the Academy’sTexas Chapter — represented by Academy Trustee Paul Wall, four-time GRAMMY winner Yolanda Adams, and Latin GRAMMY winner Bobby Pulido — were honored with an official resolution in each chamber declaring February 18 as Texas Music Advocacy Day.

Virtual Testimony In Virginia And Georgia

The fight for creator protections continued on the East Coast. On February 17, Recording Academy Chief Advocacy & Public Policy Officer Todd Dupler testified virtually before the Virginia State Senate Committee on Courts of Justice, urging lawmakers to support HB 2462. The bill would prohibit the unauthorized use of a person’s name, image, voice, and likeness, specifically targeting the misuse of digital replicas.

Then, on March 3, Dupler provided virtual testimony before Georgia’s House Creative Arts and Entertainment Committee in support of HB 566 — a state-level version of the NO FAKES Act. The bill aims to protect individuals from AI-generated misappropriations of their voice and likeness, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of artists in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Ticketing Concerns In Washington State

On the West Coast, the Academy submitted written testimony opposing Washington State’s SB 5676, a bill that would mandate immediate electronic ticket delivery upon payment confirmation. The Academy argued that this legislation would undermine efforts to combat ticket scalping and place undue burdens on smaller venues forced to adopt expensive e-ticketing systems. The Academy’s testimony was echoed by numerous other arts and live performance organizations in the state.

Fighting For Free Expression In Maryland

Currently, the Academy is rallying support for Maryland’s Protecting the Admissibility of Creative Expression (PACE) Act, which aims to restrict the use of defendants’ creative works as evidence in criminal trials. The PACE Act is designed to protect freedom of expression and ensure that artistic creativity is not unfairly weaponized in legal proceedings. Maryland residents can urge their lawmakers to support this legislation here. 

Join The Fight For Music Rights

The Recording Academy is proud to stand with its members in advocating for creators’ rights on the federal, state, and local levels. Want to make a difference? Find out how you can get involved and take action today.

Read more: Key Music Bills To Watch In The 119th Congress: The Recording Academy’s Legislative Priorities