VACRA

S 3517 (VACRA) simplifies copyright registration for visual artists by exempting pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works from standard deposit requirements. It creates certified third-party registries for photographs that must maintain searchable databases with author/owner details, creation dates, and contact information. The bill allows group registration of up to 3,000 photographs under one application and introduces "deferred registration" for visual works, with reduced fees for individual artists and subscription options for ongoing registration. These changes directly affect photographers, visual artists, and copyright registrars by streamlining the process and reducing costs.