Committee advances amendment to film tax credit to require U.S. production of original music; unions voice support, industry urges flexibility
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Summary
S4392 would revise New Jersey’s film and digital media tax credit to require domestic production of original music and scores; the bill won committee release after testimony from musicians unions citing job creation and industry groups asking to avoid burdens that could reduce production in state.
The Senate Commerce Committee released Senate Bill 4392, which would revise the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act to require production of domestic original music and musical scores for productions claiming state tax credits.
Supporters, including the American Federation of Musicians and the New Jersey AFL‑CIO, urged the committee to pass the bill to ensure tax credits create local jobs. David Schneck of the American Federation of Musicians said S4392 "would amend the act to require that all original music and scores for productions receiving tax incentives be produced and recorded within The United States or its territories." Eric Richard, legislative director for the NJ AFL‑CIO, said the existing program has allowed some productions to outsource music work overseas and called the change necessary to "bring those music production jobs home."
Industry representatives cautioned that the proposal could impose burdens on production and recommended working with stakeholders to avoid unintended consequences. Dan Smith of Screen Alliance of New Jersey said the industry is "doing very well" in the state and asked the committee to consider incentives rather than prohibitions, suggesting the credit could be amplified for productions that use original music recorded in New Jersey.
Committee members said they would continue discussions with stakeholders. On a motion to release, roll call recorded Senator Bramnick as abstaining and Senators Singer, Johnson, Vice Chair Scribe and Chairman Lagana voting to release S4392. The committee indicated it will maintain conversation with industry groups as the bill moves forward.
The committee did not specify an amendment at the hearing but indicated chair staff will work with unions and industry on technical adjustments.