House approves $5 million transfer to seed sitcom pilot revolving fund

The Oklahoma House approved a measure on third reading to seed a pilot revolving fund aimed at encouraging live, studio‑audience sitcom production in the state. Lawmakers moved $5,000,000 from the existing Filmed in Oklahoma account into a new sitcom revolving fund and advanced the bill on a final vote.

Sponsor Representative Fett Gatter described the transfer as a reallocation of existing carryover rather than new spending, saying, “We're moving $5,000,000 out of existing, the existing account in the Filmed in Oklahoma Act over to this…revolving account.” He and other backers argued the program is intended to create longer‑term, blue‑collar job opportunities in Oklahoma by building local production capacity.

Opponents pressed for detail. Representative Fugate asked whether shifting funds would risk other parts of the film industry: “So we're not at risk then of of losing business in other parts of the film industry as a result of this move. Right?” Representative Fett Gatter replied that he did not foresee that happening and noted the office believes about $27,000,000 is currently in the account, with $30,000,000 deposited annually and roughly $10,000,000 encumbered, leaving an available balance of about $17,000,000 before the new annual deposit.

Other members raised workforce concerns and asked whether the state has the infrastructure and trained crews needed to support sitcom production. The sponsor said some skills overlap with film and series production and defended the pilot as a way to help create and sustain local jobs.

Representative Fett Gatter moved adoption of the joint committee report to House Bill 40‑36 and the House advanced the bill; the clerk announced the roll call and recorded the vote. The bill passed on third reading and was cleared to proceed.