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H.R.5553 / 109th Congress

Section 115 Reform Act of 2006

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 8, 2006

Section 115 Reform Act of 2006 - Sets forth provisions governing compulsory licenses for digital phonorecord deliveries and hybrid offerings that cover the making and distribution of general and incidental digital phonorecord deliveries in the form of full downloads, limited downloads, interactive streams, and any other form constituting a digital phonorecord delivery or hybrid offering.

Allows a digital music provider to obtain a compulsory license only from a designated agent. Requires a designated agent to grant a license for the making of server and incidental reproduction to facilitate noninteractive streaming at a royalty-free rate. Excludes from such license any server or incidental reproductions used to enable a streaming service (or any other type of service) that takes affirmative steps to authorize, enable, cause, or induce the making of reproductions of musical works by or for end users for future listening.

Allows a digital music provider that receives a license for the making and distribution of limited downloads or interactive streams to report activity and make payments for the activity retroactively beginning January 1, 2001, to avoid being subject to an action for copyright infringement alleging violation of reproduction or distribution rights.

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Sets forth procedures for the setting of royalty rates and terms.

Requires the Register of Copyrights to designate a General Designated Agent to grant and administer licenses and collect and distribute royalties payable for the use of musical works licensed under this Act.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] · R–TX

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote .

  2. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property.

  4. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  5. Introduced in House

  6. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 15, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.5553 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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