GREAT PRETENDER BILL PASSES

Old music groups would get new protections from impostors under legislation that passed the state Senate on Tuesday.

But rest easy: Elvis impersonators should be OK.

Senate Bill 226 would hit musicians who perform under another band’s name with fines of $5,000 or more, unless they have permission to do so from at least one member of the original group. The intention is to protect old-time groups from “a sophisticated form of identity theft,” sponsoring state Sen. John Crosby said.

“Unfortunately existing law has failed miserably in this regard,” said Crosby, R-Tifton. “For years imposter musical groups have been duping customers.”

Tribute bands wouldn’t be subject to fines as long as their advertising identifies their performance as a “salute” or “tribute,” the bill states. And the legislation wouldn’t outlaw impersonations of performers such as Elvis, Neil Diamond or Frank Sinatra, Crosby said.

“All they have to do is tell the truth,” he said.

Senate Bill 226 passed 54-0 and moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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