In a major win for the music community, the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Actwas signed into law on July 4 as part of a larger domestic policy package. This monumental victory is a direct result of years of persistent advocacyby the Recording Academy and its members, which have collectively championed the HITS Act from its inception to its passage. Starting in 2020, the Academy worked directly with Representatives Linda Sánchez (D-CA) and Ron Estes (R-KS) to craft a bill to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on independent music creators and incentivize the creation of new music. Specifically, the HITS Act allows artists, record producers, and songwriters to deduct the cost of sound recording and production expenses - up to $150,000 - in the year they are incurred, rather than amortized over the life of the recording. The bill also gives music the same treatment in the tax code as other creative industries like film, television, and live theatre.

Since 2020, the Academy has been steadfast in educating members of Congress about the HITS Act and building support. Following its initial introduction, more than 300 elected Recording Academy leaders across all 12 of the organization'sChapters sent a letter to congressional leadershipurging them to include the HITS Act in any federal relief package in response to the COVID pandemic. Shortly thereafter, Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and the late Dianne Feinstein(D-CA) introduced a Senate companion bill.

In 2021, the Recording Academy celebrated the bipartisan reintroduction of the HITS Actat the start of the new congressional session. The House of Representatives passed the legislationas part of the Build Back Better Act later that year. The HITS Act has remained a top legislative priority throughout the Academy's major advocacy events, including Music Advocacy Day and GRAMMYs on the Hill. The Recording Academy continued to champion the bill, working to build bipartisan support following the bill's reintroduction in both 2023and 2025. In its most recent reintroduction, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) joined Senator Blackburn as a lead Senate sponsor.

In 2025, the Academy worked closely with our congressional sponsors as well as House Ways & Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) to ensure the HITS Act was included in the President's domestic policy package. In April, the Academy honored Representatives Estes and Sánchezat the 2025 GRAMMYs on the Hill for their tireless support of the HITS Act and the music community. (Seven-time GRAMMY winner Randy Travis received the Creators Leadership Award.)

The following day, recent GRAMMY winners, nominees, and Recording Academy leaders took to Capitol Hill to further Advocate for the HITS Act during the GRAMMYs on the Hill Advocacy Day. After years of advocating for its passage and just a few months after GRAMMYs on the Hill, the HITS Act finally became the law of the land through the 2025 domestic policy bill, marking a historic win for independent music artists.

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The Recording Academy also worked to build a broad coalition of support for the HITS Act across the music industry, partnering with organizations like A2IM, which took a leading role and mobilized its network of more than 700 independent labels nationwide, and the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), which worked closely with the Academy to ensure the HITS Act applied to songwriters. The HITS Act was also endorsed by SAG-AFTRA, Music Artists Coalition, Artists Rights Alliance, Recording Industry Association of America, National Music Publishers Association, SoundExchange, Global Music Rights, SESAC, National Independent Venue Association, National Independent Talent Organization, Future of Music Coalition, Digital Media Association, ASCAP, BMI, Gospel Music Association, Christian Music Trade Association, and Songwriters of North America.

The hard work of the Academy, our congressional allies, and our partners across the creative industry ultimately paid off when the HITS Act was signed into law this month.

"With today's final passage of the domestic policy bill, music creators across the country can celebrate the HITS Act becoming law, bringing much-needed support to independent artists and songwriters," Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr.said. "As the industry navigates an evolving musical landscape, this moment represents meaningful progress toward protecting creators and sustaining a vibrant music ecosystem. The Recording Academy is proud to have partnered with Reps. Estes and Sánchez and Senators Blackburn and Cortez Masto over many years to bring the HITS Act to life, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support. This is a powerful win for independent artists, giving them the support they need to keep creating and ensuring the music industry continues to thrive."

The Recording Academy is committed to fighting for pro-creator policy at the state, federal, and local level. Want to get involved? Take action today and be on the lookout for information regarding Music Advocacy Day 2025!