Committee rejects proposed arts, entertainment and media “mega site” bill after fiscal and capacity concerns

House Bill 1290, titled by its sponsor as an effort to create a statewide arts, entertainment and media "mega site," failed in the House Commerce Committee by a 3-7 vote after departmental testimony and fiscal concerns.

Representative Powell, the bill sponsor, said the bill would establish a first-in-the-nation site to attract film, performing arts and advanced media industries and leave site selection to the Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD). Cameron Snow, a legislative liaison for ECD, told the committee the bill as written would require the department to undertake responsibilities beyond its current scope.

Snow said the bill would require ECD to manage land acquisition of 2,000 continuous acres, construct site infrastructure, govern and staff an 86-person operation, and lead training and workforce development programs — tasks he said are outside the department’s current remit. Snow told the committee, "ECD is well versed in fostering business growth and innovation, but this bill extends beyond our purview, requiring expertise in film production infrastructure, performing arts venue management and construction, advanced media technologies, and public private partnership structuring for fundraising for the, mega site."

Committee members debated the concept’s potential economic benefit and the department’s capacity to implement the plan. After testimony and discussion the chair called the vote; the clerk reported "3 ayes, 7 nays," and the chair announced that House Bill 1290 fails.

Ending: The sponsor said he remained enthusiastic about the idea but the committee’s vote ends action on the bill for this session.