SACRAMENTO, CA – AB 702 cleared the Assembly Floor today by a vote of 68-0.  The legislation, authored by former filmmaker Anthony Portantino, would make it unlawful for any person to advertise or conduct a live musical performance through the use of “false, deceptive, or misleading affiliation, connection, or association” between a live performance group and the actual recording group. 

Under the legislation proposed under AB 702, individuals would be prohibited from performing live musical performances under the name of a recorded group unless the performers hold a trademark, at least one member of performing members was a member of the original group, the event is advertised as a “tribute” performance or the performing group has prior authorization.

“When I first heard of the problem, I was shocked to learn this practice wasn’t already illegal,” said Assemblymember Portantino.  “The people who commit these acts of fraud do a great disservice not only to the consumers, but to the legacy and reputation of these groups that many people hold dear.”

Shady promoters have used the music and originality of mostly 1950s African-American musical legends without proper authorization for several decades.  These musical legends such as the Platters, the Drifters, and the Coasters, some of whom are available for performances, don’t work because imposter groups undercut their salaries and assumed their fame.  Meanwhile, consumers are being ripped off by paying for imposter group concerns when they believe they are seeing the real thing. 

Other states such as Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Michigan have enacted similar legislation, while states such as New York, Florida, and Nevada have pending legislation. 

With the approval of AB 702 by the Assembly, the bill now moves over to the Senate where it will be considered in the upcoming months.  This bill is sponsored by Jon “Bowzer” Bauman formerly of “Sha Na Na” and Chair of the Truth in Music Committee at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

Assemblymember Anthony Portantino was elected to serve the 44th Assembly District in November of 2006. The district encompasses Altadena, Duarte, La Canada Flintridge, Pasadena, South Pasadena and Temple City.  It also includes portions of Arcadia, Monrovia, Mayflower Village and the Northeast Los Angeles neighborhoods of Glassell Park, Hermon, Highland Park, Mount Washington and Eagle Rock.