H 1751
An Act concerning a right of publicity
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, introduced by Kathleen Erica Johnson, seeks to establish a right of publicity in Massachusetts. A right of publicity generally protects an individual’s name, image, and likeness from unauthorized commercial use. The bill’s purpose is to provide legal recourse for individuals whose identities are exploited for profit without their consent. It is currently under consideration by the Massachusetts legislature.
Key provisions
- Establishes a right of publicity for individuals in Massachusetts.
- Protects an individual’s name, image, and likeness.
- Allows individuals to seek legal remedies against those who commercially exploit their identity.
- The bill is currently undergoing a study order.
- The Judiciary committee is reviewing the bill.
Who is affected
- Individuals
- Businesses
- Media outlets
- Advertisers
Notable changes
- Currently, Massachusetts lacks a specific statute explicitly defining and protecting a right of publicity.
- This bill would create a new legal framework for controlling the commercial use of personal identities.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsor
Kathleen Erica Johnson
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1751 194th (Current)
An Act concerning a right of publicity
By Representative Hogan of Stow (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1751) of Kathleen Erica Johnson relative to a right of publicity. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenting Legislator is not a sponsor of this measure.
Presenter: Kate Hogan (By Request)
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 8 actions for Bill H.1751
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 7/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2 |
| 7/15/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 7/15/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| 10/20/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 07/15/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-2 |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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