On May 5, 2025, the Austin Visa Commission convened to discuss critical issues surrounding professional rights organizations (PROs) and their impact on local artists. The meeting served as a kickoff for drafting a statement to Congress, with a deadline set for May 25. The commission aims to advocate for fair tracking of music streams and greater transparency in royalty distribution.

A significant focus of the discussions was the proliferation of PROs and the need for standardized licensing practices. The commission emphasized the importance of implementing uniform guidelines across all PROs to reduce confusion and enhance transparency. This includes mandating clear disclosures of licensed works and detailed reports on royalty distributions. The goal is to ensure fair compensation for all artists, regardless of their commercial stature, thereby promoting a more equitable music industry.

Additionally, the commission highlighted the lack of demographic reporting by PROs, which contributes to the systematic underpayment of BIPOC artists, particularly in genres such as hip hop and Latin music. To address this, they proposed that Congress commission equity audits for PROs, requiring a breakdown of royalty distributions by genre, race, ethnicity, and gender. This move aims to shed light on who is being compensated and to rectify disparities in the music industry.

Local venue protections were also discussed, with concerns raised about the substantial fees venues pay to license music. The commission suggested exploring a pay-per-use model or local use credits to alleviate financial burdens on venues while ensuring artists receive fair royalties based on their performances.

In conclusion, the Austin Visa Commission's meeting underscored the urgent need for reform within the music industry, particularly regarding PROs and their practices. The proposed initiatives aim to foster transparency, equity, and support for local artists, setting the stage for further discussions and actions leading up to the congressional submission. The commission plans to form a working group to finalize their recommendations before the impending deadline.