Senate approves AB 1138 to expand film and TV tax credits with urgency clause

AB 1138, a bill to expand and modernize California's film and television tax credit program, passed the State Senate with an urgency clause on July 3, 2025, sending the measure to the governor. Senator Ben Allen, the bill's floor author, led the presentation; the roll-call on the urgency clause showed 32 ayes and 2 nos, meeting the 27-vote requirement for immediate effect.

Supporters said the expansion will boost production and related jobs across the state. Senator Allen (author) told colleagues the bill builds on recent state action and a newly signed financing package and said it includes incentives targeted to encourage productions outside the Los Angeles area and to add animation to eligible production types. Senator María Elena Durazo and other supporters said the bill will help retain and attract studio investment and spur…