SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5943
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 19, 2019
Title: An act relating to establishing the task force on motion picture competitiveness.
Brief Description: Establishing the task force on motion picture competitiveness.
Sponsors: Senators Hasegawa, Hunt and Kuderer.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Financial Institutions, Economic Development & Trade: 2/21/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TRADE |
Staff: Kellee Gunn (786-7429)
Background: Motion Picture Competitiveness Program. In 2006, the Legislature created the Motion Picture Competitiveness Program (program) to attract film industry investment in Washington State. The program allows taxpayers to contribute to an incentive fund to receive a credit against their business and occupation (B&O) tax for the full amount contributed. A board of directors appointed by the Governor administers the program.
Qualifying production companies filming in Washington can apply to Washington Filmworks for payment from the incentive fund. Washington Filmworks is a private 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that manages the program and offers funding assistance for qualified expenditures for motion pictures, episodic series, and commercial productions.
The Program has been renewed twice, once in 2012, and again in 2017 when the B&O tax credit was extended to July 1, 2027.
Summary of Bill: A joint legislative task force on motion picture competitiveness is established.
The task force must:
evaluate data on recipients of program funding to identify trends that may affect equity of access to funding assistance;
develop practices promoting equity of access to funding assistance; and
make recommendations to the Legislature regarding policies to improve the program.
Membership of the task force must include:
two members from the Senate, each representing the two largest caucuses;
two members from the House of Representatives, each representing the two largest caucuses; and
six members representing the interests of motion picture, video, and media production and associated creative industries, including postproduction, chosen by both the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House of Representatives.
Task force membership must reflect regional, racial, and cultural diversity. The legislative representatives shall convene the first meeting before co-chairs are chosen. Nonpartisan legislative staff will provide support. The Senate and the House of Representatives are equally responsible for the task force's expenses.
A report is due to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by December 1, 2019.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 15, 2019.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: Yes.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.