Library of Congress Demands Permits for Your Posed Selfie Sessions

2026-06055 — Adjustment to Sound Recordings by New Subscription Services and Ephemeral Recordings To Facilitate Those Performances License 2026 Royalty Rates

Starting January 1, 2026, new subscription music services will pay slightly higher royalties for playing songs online, thanks to a cost-of-living update. These changes, effective through 2030, adjust fees based on inflation to keep payments fair for artists and rights holders. If you run or use these services, expect a small bump in what you pay or earn starting March 30, 2026.

2026-05886 — Alternative Fee Structures for Registration

The U.S. Copyright Office wants your ideas on new ways to charge fees once their upgraded online registration system is ready. They’re exploring how different fee plans might affect who signs up and how much it costs. If you have thoughts, send them in by June 24, 2026, to help shape the future of copyright registration fees!

2026-05529 — Copyright Office Fees

The Copyright Office is planning to raise some fees for its services because costs have gone up since 2020. These changes will help the Office cover more of its expenses without making it too hard for people to use their services. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until May 4, 2026, to send in comments online.

2026-04627 — Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings by New Subscription Services and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (NSS V)

Starting January 1, 2026, new subscription services that play music as part of cable or satellite TV bundles will follow fresh rules on how much they pay for digital music performances and temporary copies. These rules, effective through 2030, set clear rates and terms agreed upon by major music and service players, making sure artists and rights holders get fair pay. If you’re a streaming service or music rights owner, these changes mean smoother, fairer payments for the next five years.

2026-04630 — Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (Web VI)

Starting January 1, 2026, noncommercial educational webcasters will follow new rules for paying to play music online, lasting through 2030. These updated rates and terms come from a deal between music rights groups and college broadcasters, making sure artists get fair pay while schools keep streaming. The changes kick in on March 10, 2026, so webcasters should get ready to follow the new payment rules.

2026-04632 — Determination of Rates and Terms for Digital Performance of Sound Recordings and Making of Ephemeral Copies To Facilitate Those Performances (Web VI)

Starting January 1, 2026, commercial broadcasters will follow new rules for paying royalties when they play music online without subscriptions. These rules set fair rates and terms for digital performances and temporary copies of songs, lasting through 2030. This means broadcasters and music rights groups like SoundExchange have a clear, agreed plan for sharing money from digital music plays.

Previous: 2026-05398 — Amendment of Class E Airspace; Paxton, IL

The FAA is updating the Class E airspace around Paxton, Illinois to match new flight procedures at Paxton Airport. This change helps pilots fly safely using instruments and takes effect on July 9, 2026. Local pilots and air traffic controllers will notice the new airspace boundaries, but there’s no cost impact for anyone.

Next: 2026-05447 — Consistent Basis Reporting Between Estate and Person Acquiring Property From Decedent; Correction

The IRS fixed some confusing language in a 2024 rule about reporting property values when someone inherits from a decedent. This update clears up how estates and heirs should report the property’s value consistently, starting March 19, 2026. If you handle inherited property or estate taxes, these corrections help avoid mistakes and possible penalties.