Sen. Burchett introduces bill to protect rights of songwriters and preserve college networks from abuse

(NASHVILLE, TN), February 5, 2008 -- State Senator Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville) has introduced legislation that would bolster the efforts of state universities to reduce the illegal trafficking of music and other copyrighted works on school computer networks.  The legislation, SB 3974 / HB 3915 is sponsored by Rep. Randy Rinks(D-Savannah) in the House of Representatives.

“With various studies documenting the extensiveness of online music theft on campuses and the state occupying a special leadership role in the music industry, this new legislation was especially timely and appropriate, said Sen. Burchett.  “Nashville is the cradle of the music community and, as such, our schools should be leading the way in any and all efforts to protect the rights of songwriters, artists, and others in the industry. We can’t eliminate every instance of piracy, but there are now technological tools available that minimize access to illegal music sites.  University resources should not be used and abused as gateways for theft.”   

The legislation would require that any school receiving state funds must develop and enforce a computer and network use policy dealing with copyrighted works and conduct an assessment of its network - including the intranet - to determine if there are instances of copyright theft occurring.  If a school determines that there are instances of infringement, or has received at least ten infringement notices from copyright owners, the university must report on its computer and network use policy, and on the technology-based solutions and other deterrents to infringement it has implemented.  The report must be submitted either to the Tennessee Board of Regents or the University of Tennessee School System.

“We all know that the theft of music has exacted a heavy toll on the songwriting community in Nashville,” said Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Steve Cropper. “Unfortunately, we also know that a major share of the problem happens on college campuses.  We need our schools to address this issue head on and send the right message to students, our state leaders of tomorrow.  I appreciate what Senator Burchett and Representative Rinks are trying to do and hope that other members will add their names to these bills”.

Bart Herbison, the Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International added, “Songwriting is the "Official Art Form" of the State of Tennessee and Music is a $6 billion annual industry in Middle Tennessee alone.  When you consider that 20 billion copyrights were obtained through illegal downloading in calendar year 2007, you can understand the impact on a creator's ability to earn a predictable income.  America has lost two-thirds of all fulltime professional songwriters in just the past decade.   It is imperative that the State of Tennessee take the lead on protecting its intellectual property which is such an important part of the state's culture, history and economy.   File-stealing is theft, plain and simple.” 

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