Montana committee hears broad support and sharp fiscal concerns for bill to raise film tax-credit cap

Summary

Supporters told the House Taxation Committee HB 200 would grow a Montana film industry and local jobs; opponents and fiscal analysts warned the proposal would cost the state hundreds of millions and could worsen housing affordability. Sponsor offered amendments that would lower the cap and expand eligibility for smaller productions.

At a House Taxation Committee hearing, lawmakers heard more than three hours of testimony on House Bill 200, which would raise the cap and amend qualifying rules for Montana’s film production tax credit (the Montana Media Act).

Sponsor Representative Keri Seakins Crow told the committee HB 200 is intended to “incentivize the film industry in Montana” and to create jobs across restaurant, transportation, construction and other sectors. Seakins Crow described an amendment she was proposing to reduce the bill’s initial cap from $350,000,000 to $250,000,000; lower the minimum production budget that qualifies for the credit from $350,000 to $50,000; add documentary films and reality television to eligible productions; and change the statutory sunset referenced in the draft language (transcript language: “02/1935”).

Proponents — including the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Billings Chamber of Commerce, producers and local studios — said the existing credit has already produced substantial spending and local employment and that a higher cap is needed to sustain infrastructure investment. Charles Robinson of the Montana Chamber cited a widely reported example in which a single…

Montana committee hears broad support and sharp fiscal concerns for bill to raise film tax-credit cap

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading