2014 Senate Bill 1103 / Public Act 396

Revise film producer subsidy formula

Introduced in the Senate

Oct. 1, 2014

Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R-17)

To eliminate a 2017 sunset on the law authorizing state subsidy payments to some film productions, and make various changes to the formula used to calculate a particular producer's subsidy. Among other things, the bill would remove limitations on higher subsidies based on very high compensation paid to a director, actors, etc. In the current fiscal year budget, up to $50 million in state tax revenues may be redistributed to film producers. Changes in the bill would have the effect of allowing particular productions to claim a larger share of this money.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development

Received in the House

Oct. 6, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Commerce

In the Senate

Oct. 22, 2014

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Amendment offered

To increase subsidies for film work done at a Michigan "postproduction facility".

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 32 to 4 (details)

To eliminate a 2017 sunset on the law authorizing state subsidies for film productions, and make various changes to the formula used to calculate a particular producer's subsidy. Among other things, the bill would remove limitations on giving larger subsidies that are based on very high compensation paid to well-known actors, directors, etc. which could have the effect of allowing particular productions to claim a larger share of the total subsidy budget. Legislators previously authorized redistributing $50 million in state tax revenues to film producers through these subsidies in the current fiscal year. The Senate added a floor amendment that appears to give larger subsidies to films that use the Motown Motion Picture facility in Detroit for post-production work.

In the House

Nov. 13, 2014

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 2, 2014

Amendment offered by Rep. Frank Foster (R-107)

To establish that the proposed new subsidy allocation formula would apply to production agreements entered after Dec. 1, 2014. Also, to extend until 2022 a 2017 sunset on the subsidies.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Dec. 5, 2014

Passed in the House 73 to 37 (details)

To extend until 2022 a 2017 sunset on the law authorizing state subsidy payments to some film productions, and make various changes to the formula used to calculate a particular producer's subsidy. Among other things, the bill would remove limitations on higher subsidies based on very high compensation paid to a director, actors, etc. In the current fiscal year budget, up to $50 million in state tax revenues may be redistributed to film producers. Changes in the bill would have the effect of allowing particular productions to claim a larger share of this money, and making future "residual" income paid to members of a production taxable in Michigan.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 9, 2014

Passed in the Senate 33 to 4 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 24, 2014