Bill to Label Recordings as “Offensive” Advances

A bill that would require allegedly “offensive” recordings to bear government-mandated warning labels was passed by the Louisiana Senate on Friday.

The measure, which was approved by the state House of Representatives in a slightly different form last month, would be the first such proposal in the nation to become law if the Senate version is passed by the House and signed by the governor.

The bill would make it illegal for producers, manufacturers and distributors to market allegedly “offensive” material without a sticker attached. Each violation could be subject to a fine of up to $5,000.

Retailers found guilty of selling a stickered offensive recording to an “unmarried minor” could face penalties of up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The amended version of the bill will be voted on today in the state House of Representatives, which passed the original measure in June, 95 to 5. The bill is expected to reach Gov. Buddy Roemer’s desk by Monday.

Roemer was unavailable for comment, but Billy Riemes, his deputy chief of staff, said the governor is likely to veto the bill “as it is presently structured.”

Sen. Oswald DeCuir, the bill’s sponsor in the Senate, wooed undecided senators with private screenings of a film about offensive rock music produced by the Parents Music Resource Center, according to spokesmen at the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and the Recording Industry Assn. of America. He also read excerpts from allegedly offensive lyrics provided by the resource center.