The Art Newspaper expounds upon the Orphan Works Bill, and it is scarier than I thought.

Orphaned Works Legislation

There is a bill going through congress that proposes to severely limit artists' copyright rights. It will require the registration of EACH and EVERY image/work you have ever done to be registered with a private company for a fee. If you do not register, anyone will have the right to copy your work and you will have no recourse. There is a good synopsis here. A ranting article explaining the proposed changes and how it will affect you is here. Please contact your congresspeople here to let them know of the negative impact this will have on our creative property rights.... they do not understand the full impact this legislation will have on us.
There is a blog covering news updates and commentaries. If you want to get on the email list for Orphaned Works legislation updates, email illustratorspartnership@cnymail.com.