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House passes HB 17 to create $3 million Motion Picture Incentive Fund
Summary
The Utah House approved House Bill 17 to establish a $3 million annual Motion Picture Incentive Fund aimed at attracting film and television production to the state; proponents cited a prior $1 million pilot and an estimated $4–$6 economic return per dollar, while some members raised content and oversight concerns.
The Utah House voted to approve House Bill 17, the Motion Picture Incentive Fund, sending the measure to the Senate after a 58-14 roll call.
Sponsor Representative Cheryl Allen said the bill responds to task force recommendations and a prior $1 million pilot from the Industrial Assistance Fund. "It creates an incentive fund of $3,000,000 to be used annually," she said, describing the program as an economic development tool with criteria designed to favor productions that promote Utah and bring work to rural areas.
Supporters said the incentives are paid after production and credited the pilot with retaining industry workers in state. "For every dollar that is spent, we return 4 to $6 here into our economy," Representative Morgan told colleagues while urging support.
Opponents and some questioners raised concerns about content and oversight. Representative Daw asked whether the state could assure that films produced with incentives "will not be offensive and will not be an embarrassment to the state." Sponsor Allen and other proponents said a review board will apply eligibility criteria and that incentives are conditioned on completed production and local expenditures.
Representative Farren and others framed the fund as necessary to keep production and workforce in Utah, pointing to incentives offered by other states and countries. Representative Volk recorded a conflict of interest because family members work in the film business but said she would support the bill.
Floor action included a successful motion to cut off further debate, followed by final passage. Clerks announced that House Bill 17 "having received 58 yes votes and 14 no votes passes this body" and will be transmitted to the Senate for further action.
The bill as discussed would create ongoing annual funding of $3,000,000 from the general fund, with criteria and a board to administer incentives; specifics of board composition and final prioritization were described as subject to committee and appropriations review.
Next steps: HB 17 is referred to the Utah Senate for consideration and, if enacted there, would be implemented according to the fund criteria and appropriation process outlined by sponsors on the floor.
