ME LD109: Resolve, Directing the Maine Arts Commission to Study Federal and National Efforts to Protect Artists from Copyright Infringement by Artificial Intel…

In one paragraph

Maine's LD 109 is a resolve directing the Maine Arts Commission, consulting the Attorney General's office, to study federal and national efforts to protect artists from copyright infringement by businesses and others that promote, create, disseminate or use AI software, and efforts to monitor educational use of copyrighted work, and to report with any suggested legislation by December 3, 2025. It appropriates $25,000 for a consultant. Held by the Governor in July 2025, it became law without signature on January 11, 2026 (Resolves chapter 121), after that report date.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

No duties for businesses. A state study of federal and national efforts to protect artists from copyright infringement by AI companies and users, with $25,000 for a consultant.

Key provisions

1. 1The Maine Arts Commission must study federal and national efforts to protect artists from copyright infringement by businesses and others promoting, creating, disseminating or using AI software applications, and efforts to monitor the educational use of copyrighted work
2. 2The commission must consult the Office of the Attorney General and may draw on the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, ASCAP and similar organizations
3. 3It may consider the proposed federal No Fakes Act of 2024 and No AI FRAUD Act, Tennessee's Ensuring Likeness, Voice, and Image Security Act of 2024, and case law including Waits v. Frito-Lay and Midler v. Ford Motor Co.
4. 4Findings and any suggested legislation go to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by December 3, 2025; the committee may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature
5. 5The commission may accept grants and outside funding; $25,000 General Fund appropriation in fiscal year 2025-26 for a consultant to research the impact of unauthorized AI use on artists' work
6. 6Held by the Governor July 8, 2025; became law without the Governor's signature January 11, 2026 (Resolves chapter 121)

Latest legislative action

Jan 11, 2026. Became law without Governor's signature (Resolves chapter 121)

Sponsors (showing 5 of 29)

Roll call votes

Amendments (2)

• House: C-A (H-58) Adopted
• Senate: S-A to C-A (S-445) Adopted