President George W. Bush yesterday passed bill HR.5469, aka the Small Webcasters Settlement Act. The bill, however, is very vague in serveral aspects.
There have been three drafts of the bill so far. The latest version, created by Senator Jesse Helms' office, doesn't specify any rates, but instead gives the parties involved, RIAA and the webcasters, until December 15 to reach a settlement. It is, however, unknown who actually will be taking part in the negotiations.
We'll know more in a week.
Source:
The Register
Written by: Jari Ketola @ 6 Dec 2002 14:29