Federal Issues

The Government Affairs and Public Policy (GAPP) Department of SAG-AFTRA is actively engaged in the support or opposition of various federal legislative issues that impact our membership. These federal issues include, but are not limited to:
 
WIPO Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances -- SAG-AFTRA is working with the Administration and members of Congress to effect the ratification of the Beijing Audiovisual Treaty.
 
Federal Film Tax Incentive (Section 181) -- In a coordinated effort with DGA, IFTA, and MPAA, SAG-AFTRA successfully worked to support passage of the extension of Section 181.  This extension passed in January 2013 as part of the larger “Fiscal Cliff” budget package. 
 
Digital Theft -- SAG-AFTRA will continue to engage in internal education, and as part of an industry-wide coalition, participate in a high profile educational efforts with Congress, the Administration, the media industry, and the public on the best ways to combat digital theft.
 
Internet Radio Fairness Act -- SAG-AFTRA successfully worked to oppose the Internet Radio Fairness Act introduced in September, 2012, which would have significantly cut digital performance royalties to artists.
 
Media Consolidation and Ownership -- SAG-AFTRA continues to engage in advocacy efforts to preserve and strengthen media ownership rules in order to protect the jobs of SAG-AFTRA members, safeguard professional standards in journalism, and preserve and promote localism and diversity.
 
Orphan Works -- In October 2012, the Copyright Office issued a Notice of Inquiry seeking information regarding the current state of play with regard to the issue of orphan works. Because of the negative impact a broad orphan works regime would have on SAG-AFTRA recording artists and background vocalists, SAG-AFTRA filed comments in January, 2013 in response to the initial inquiry of the Copyright Office.