NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Gov. Bill Lee will be signing a new law into effect on Thursday aimed at protecting musicians and their voices from unauthorized use by artificial intelligence (AI) software. The legislation, known as the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, will add the artist's voice to existing image and likeness protections in Tennessee.

The ELVIS Act, which gained sponsors in Rep. William Lamberth and Sen. Jack Johnson, was introduced in January and swiftly received approval from both the State's House and Senate by March 7. The bills HB 2091/SB 2096, which focus on prohibiting the replication of a performer's voice using AI without their permission, now await the Governor's signature.

With the rise of AI technology, concerns grew over the potential theft of musicians' voices and the impact it could have on their livelihoods. Gov. Lee recognized this threat to the industry that has made Tennessee globally known and emphasized the importance of protecting workers from negative disruptions caused by technology.

"This is a threat to an industry that has made Tennessee globally known," Governor Lee commented when he first announced the legislation in January. "When technology disrupts in a negative way, when it impacts those workers in a negative way, it's really important to all of us."

The signing of the ELVIS Act will take place at Robert's Western World, a renowned music venue, on Thursday at 12 p.m. This momentous occasion showcases the commitment of Tennessee's government to safeguard its rich musical heritage by ensuring that artists' voices remain protected.

With the ELVIS Act, Tennessee becomes one of the first states to address the issue of AI-generated voice replication in the music industry. By explicitly requiring permission for the use of a performer's voice, this legislation aims to preserve the unique talents and creativity of musicians.

The ELVIS Act serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of the music industry to the state, and its impact on not just the economy but also the cultural identity of Tennessee. As Gov. Lee signs this groundbreaking law, it is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Tennessee artists who make the music that resonates worldwide.