Sen. Kevin Murray (D-Culver City) announced that, "at the request of artist representatives," he had decided not to move forward this legislative session with Senate Bill 1246.

After listening to artists testify at hearings last year, lawmakers told their representatives to work out a compromise on the bill with the major record labels. The two sides have been struggling for months to negotiate a deal but failed to come to terms on several key points.

Murray said he plans to introduce a comprehensive package next year that would deal with recording artists' rights, the length of recording contracts, music accounting practices and health-care and pension benefits.

hmm.... interesting..... hope it benifits us...

The title is a little deceiving as this is not "dead" but rather to be included in a package of legislation in the upcoing year (at least hopefully). I have a feeling this is not the last time we hear of Sen. Kevin Murray and the RAC working together for artists rights.

Well it's dead for this year, As for Kevin Murray, Absolutely...He is one of the few who "gets it". He was a pleasure to listen to during his speech at the Future of Music Conference earlier this year.

okay.. so this isn't happening this year.. hope it happens soon.. this kind of thing shows the RIAA and all the other filth that the law can work for BOTH sides.. not just the ones with money.

Well, this bill is sying because:

1) It's a year for votes, and this is not an issue that will win votes.

2) Chances are this guy wont be around after November

3) Things may change once people change in Congress

P2P is wrong. It's piracy and that is stealing. No matter how much you want to deny it.

Oh, really, Jim? I recently posted a story that I wrote to the gnutella network, along with a statement at the top saying that everyone is free to download and share the story as often as they wish. I do the same thing with the music I write in Finale.

I've just proven you wrong. Have a nice day.

Oh, and by the way: if the majority of the public shares files and is fine with it, then to continue to legislate P2P out of existence is a blatant slap in the face to the will of the people... who I was taught are in charge of this country.

If the collective public says that downloading music is OK, in spite of the RIAA, the MPAA, and others, then they and others such as yourself have *no* choice. You *must* bow to the will of the people in this country, and it's looking more and more like the people are saying, "We could not possible care less about this issue. Go ahead and download."

Before you go around saying that something is illegal and wrong, you really should take into account just how many people do it, and want it to be legal. If the majority of the public says it's ok, then it's ok. Period.