Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1475555
58 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2022 | sagaftra.org parties, and if an agreement is not reached, an independent panel of judges from the Copyright Royalty Board will determine the rates. This legislation only establishes that there is a right in copyright law for recording artists and copyright owners to be compensated for the use of their music." THE CROWN ACT The Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair, or CROWN Act, is federal legislation that prohibits discrimination in employment and K-12 public and charter schools based on a person's texture and style of hair. Spearheaded by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, it passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in March 2022. SAG-AFTRA supports the CROWN Act and President Fran Drescher responded to the House passage with enthusiasm, saying, "This is an exciting step toward a societal awareness of prejudice, judgment and whitewashing of culture. We must positively embrace the many different threads that make up the fabric of the human experience." Sen. Cory Booker has reintroduced the legislation into the U.S. Senate. As of July 2022, similar legislation has been passed in 17 states. THE FAIR ACT The Free Artists from Industry Restrictions, or FAIR Act, did not pass the California Judiciary Committee. The legislation would allow recording artists to leave their personal services contracts after seven years without the threat of crushing financial penalties. SAG-AFTRA will continue to work with the industry, through bargaining and legislation, to improve the working lives of recording artists and allow them to freely and fairly practice their art. Local Member Named to SF Film Commission L ongtime San Francisco-Northern California Local broadcast member Carolyn Tyler has been appointed to the San Francisco Film Commission by San Francisco Mayor London Breed. In 2018, Tyler retired from a 32-year career as anchor and reporter with KGO-TV. Having served as a union steward, Local members welcome her advocacy as a San Francisco Film Commissioner. Local President Kathryn Howell said, "Now one of our own is part of the San Francisco Film Commission … I look forward to more thoroughly acquainting her with the performer side of the union." Even as production steadily climbs in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Film Commission is refocusing its efforts to encourage more, stating, "We are excited to have this news icon and positive light on our team!" ● ZEFANIA PREZIA SF- NorCal Legislative Updates continues from page 18 VITA volunteers celebrate 45 years of assisting union members with tax issues. Saluting 45 Years of VITA O n June 1 at Chef Yu in New York City, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program celebrated 45 years of helping SAG-AFTRA and AEA members complete their tax returns for free. Volunteer tax preparers, who are also union members, have been helping their fellow performers navigate oftentimes-confusing tax codes for over four decades. Special thanks go out to SAG-AFTRA New York Local Board member Sandra Karas, one of the early volunteers of the program, and who now serves as its tax director. Many SAG-AFTRA members may recognize her from the tax return seminars she has provided for years, most recently via the President's Task Force on Education, Outreach & Engagement webinar series. Congratulations to VITA for 45 wonderful years! ● San Francisco-Northern California Local member Carolyn Tyler, right, with San Francisco Mayor London Breed. New York