Senator Kamala Harris, along with a bipartisan group of her colleagues, has introduced a bill that will ensure songwriters get fair pay for their songs.

According to a press release from Harris’ office, the Music Modernization Act will create a licensing organization that will make it easier for streaming companies to get the rights to play songs. The same organization will make sure artists are paid their royalties properly.

The bill also orders the Copyright Royalty Board to set new compensation rates based on “the fair market value when songs are sold, such as through music downloads, replacing the current below-market standard.”

“Just because some of our greatest music comes from previous decades doesn’t mean our music licensing laws should,” Harris said. “By modernizing how we compensate artists and distribute their music, this bipartisan legislation will benefit both the Californians who produce today’s hits and the innovative technology companies who bring that music to their fans.”

The president of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, Steve Bogard, had nothing but praise for the new bill.

“Until now, we have been tied to outdated rate standards Congress first adopted for player piano rolls back in 1909," Bogard said. "In addition, American songwriters will, for the first time, by law, receive at least half of all unclaimed digital mechanical royalties. I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of our introducing Senate sponsors. The Music Modernization Act represents the most significant copyright reform in a generation.”

The bill's co-sponsors include: Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Lamar Alexander (R-TN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Bob Corker (R-TN), Chris Coons (D-DE), Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Doug Jones (D-AL).