© Kyle T. Webster member since 2020
ASCRL applauds the introduction of the Visual Artists Copyright Reform Act of 2025 (VACRA), legislation which would modernize the copyright registration system and expand access to copyright protection for visual artists. The bill was introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburne (R-TN) and co-sponsored by Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) on December 18.
The key provisions of VACRA that ASCRL supports include:
- Affordable registration fees, ensuring that individual creators and small businesses can register their works;
- A deferred registration option, permitting copyright holders to register their works for a lower fee and defer examination until it is needed;
- Greatly expanding the group registration option for photographers and removing publication date and status requirements; and
- Modernizing the deposit requirements.
The deferred examination option, which ASCRL has long advocated for, is particularly welcome:
“The deferred examination model is one ASCRL has supported and advanced for years,” stated ASCRL CEO James Silverberg. “Allowing a registration to take effect upon submission—while deferring examination until it is actually needed—ensures artists can enforce their rights without being priced out of the system. It is a balanced, efficient approach that reflects how creators and licensees operate in the real world.”
ASCRL looks forward to working with Members of Congress, the Copyright Office, and the creative community to ensure passage of the bill.
The full text of the bill can be found here.