Senate Tax Committee hears proposal to raise Montana film tax credit cap, reserve more credits for in‑state productions

Helena — The Senate Taxation Committee on Wednesday heard testimony on Senate Bill 326, which would raise Montana’s media (film) tax credit annual cap from $12 million to $30 million and extend the program’s sunset date, while creating reservation “buckets” to prioritize Montana productions and facilities.

Proponents told the committee the change is needed to prevent productions and the jobs they support from leaving Montana and to capture more local economic benefit. Senator Greg Hertz, the bill’s sponsor, said the current credit has helped attract series such as Yellowstone and that the existing program is effectively exhausted through 2029 unless lawmakers act. “If we don’t increase it, we’re going to slowly continue to lose business in Montana,” Hertz said.

Supporters, including filmmakers, local business owners and economic development groups, urged the committee to approve a larger cap and to keep a majority of credits for Montana‑based productions and companies. Linwood Fields, executive director of the Montana Media Coalition, said the Department of Revenue estimates roughly $60 million in credits already are reserved and that without changes “we are at risk of displacing over 1,300 full‑time…