2009 Senate Bill 796 / 2010 Public Act 312

Increase state film subsidy transparency

Introduced in the Senate

Sept. 9, 2009

Introduced by Sen. Nancy Cassis (R-15)

To increase the disclosure requirements on state film subsidies. The Film Office would have to post quarterly reports on the internet that disclose how much each film producer who is promised a subsidy plans to spend in Michigan (and so how much subsidy he will collect), how much each has spent (and thus collected), details on the shooting locations and jobs, and more. Under a <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2008-HB-5841">film subsidy law</a> law passed in 2008, Michigan pays 40 or 42 percent of the expenses incurred by film producers in this state.

Referred to the Committee on Finance

Oct. 13, 2009

Reported without amendment

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

Dec. 17, 2009

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises details but does not change the substance of the bill as previously described.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 37 to 0 (details)

To increase the disclosure requirements on state film subsidies. The Film Office would have to post quarterly reports on the internet that disclose how much each film producer plans to spend in Michigan, how much was actually spent, details on the shooting locations and jobs, and how many on the payroll were paid more than $250,000; it would also have to report to the legislature how much of all the credits granted were actually cash subsidies, because they exceeded the amount of tax the producer owed. Under a <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2008-HB-5841">film subsidy law</a> law passed in 2008, Michigan pays 40 or 42 percent of the expenses incurred by film producers in this state.

Received in the House

Dec. 17, 2009

Referred to the Committee on Tax Policy

June 30, 2010

Reported without amendment

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

Dec. 2, 2010

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that makes the required reports biannual instead of quarterly.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Substitute offered by Rep. Kathy Angerer (D-55)

To make the film office file the proposed transparency disclosures twice a year instead of quarterly.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 97 to 2 (details)

To increase the disclosure requirements on state film subsidies. The Film Office would have to post twice-yearly reports on the internet that disclose how much each film producer plans to spend in Michigan, how much was actually spent, details on the shooting locations and jobs, and how many on the payroll were paid more than $250,000; it would also have to report to the legislature how much of all the credits granted were actually cash subsidies, because they exceeded the amount of tax the producer owed. Under a <a href="http://www.michiganvotes.org/2008-HB-5841">film subsidy law</a> law passed in 2008, Michigan pays 40 or 42 percent of the expenses incurred by film producers in this state.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 2, 2010

Passed in the Senate 35 to 0 (details)

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

Signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm

Dec. 21, 2010