SOUL Act of 2026

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 8323 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8323 To amend title 17, United States Code, to establish sovereign ownership rights in unique likeness for U.S. citizens, to protect against unauthorized digital replications and abuses, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 16, 2026 Mr. Biggs of Arizona introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend title 17, United States Code, to establish sovereign ownership rights in unique likeness for U.S. citizens, to protect against unauthorized digital replications and abuses, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Sovereign Ownership of Unique Likeness Act of 2026'' or the ``SOUL Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. AMENDMENT TO TITLE 17, UNITED STATES CODE. Title 17, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new chapter: ``CHAPTER 14--SOVEREIGN OWNERSHIP OF UNIQUE LIKENESS ``1401. Definitions. ``1402. Rights granted. ``1403. Exceptions and limitations. ``1404. Remedies and enforcement. ``1405. Preemption and severability. ``Sec. 1401. Definitions ``In this chapter: ``(1) Individual's unique likeness.--The term `individual's unique likeness' means the set of personal traits owned by each U.S. citizen from birth or upon development or acquisition, including: ``(A) Name, including full legal name, nicknames, or stage names. ``(B) Image, including photographs, videos, digital representations, or any visual depictions. ``(C) Likeness, including physical appearance, body shape, movements, habits, or style. ``(D) Voice, including natural speaking o