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<v Neha>The COVID-19 stimulus bill</v>

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could make illegal streaming a felony.

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As Congress looks to provide relief to U.S. citizens

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and small businesses,

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the stimulus bill includes some legislative priorities

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for the entertainment industry as well.

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According to text of the bill, a combination of COVID relief

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and annual government spending,

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illegal streaming for commercial profit

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could become a felony.

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Two weeks prior, Senator Thom Tillis released a proposal

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to increase the penalties

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for those who would dare stream unlicensed works.

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About a decade ago,

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Senator Amy Klobuchar made a similar proposal

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before it ended up dying as people worried

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about sending none other than Justin Bieber to jail.

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Yes, you heard that right.

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But on Monday night,

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lawmakers voted in favor of the package.

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The law put into effect would make streaming of works,

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including movies and music tracks,

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illegal and could carry a penalty of up to 10 years in jail.

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The Motion Picture Association of America

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cheered the outcome saying in a statement

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that they are pleased that the package include

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the Protect Lawful Streaming Act,

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which protects creators, innovators,

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and consumers by ensuring that

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operators of commercial pirate streaming services

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face meaningful criminal penalties

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in appropriate circumstances.

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Among the other parts of the ominous bill

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of interest to Hollywood is an extension of Section 181,

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a tax provision that allows for immediate deduction

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of television and film production costs up to $15 million.

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That incentive was scheduled to expire

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at the end of the year

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but would now get an additional five years.

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For more details to the story, head to thr.com.

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For The Hollywood Reporter News, I'm Neha Joy.