The bill aims to revise existing laws concerning the rights of individuals regarding their name, voice, and visual likeness. It establishes that individuals have property rights in these aspects if they are residents or domiciled in Montana at the time of their death. The rights are transferable, licensable, and descendible for 20 years after the individual's death, unless legal action is taken to transfer or license the rights. The bill also introduces penalties for unauthorized use of an individual's name, voice, or visual likeness, with specific provisions for digital representations.
Key insertions in the bill include the definition of "visual likeness" and the establishment of penalties for unauthorized digital depictions. The bill specifies that individuals can seek damages for violations, with a minimum penalty of $50,000 for certain unauthorized uses. Additionally, it clarifies that the rights do not expire upon death and can be enforced by the individual or their designated rights holders. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.