SACRAMENTO, CA – AB 702 received broad bipartisan support today in the Senate Judiciary Committee.  If passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, AB 702 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. 

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. 

“Obviously I’m extremely pleased with the outcome in committee this afternoon,” said Assemblymember Portantino.  “I think the strong bi-partisan support we’ve received so far on this legislation is indicative of the egregiousness of these scams.  I’m extremely pleased my colleagues agree that we should not allow consumers to be deceived or likeness of legendary talent to be tarnished.”

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.

“This is a sophisticated form of identity theft,” said Jon “Bowzer” Bauman formerly of “Sha Na Na” and Chair of the Truth in Music Committee at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.  “These imposter groups have been duping consumers and stealing the names, the remuneration and the legacy of the pioneers of Rock n’ Roll for way too long.”

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

AB 702 passed by a vote of 4-1.  It will soon be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee before it faces a vote on the Senate Floor. 

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.