2011 Senate Bill 569 / Public Act 291

Revise film subsidies

Introduced in the Senate

July 13, 2011

Introduced by Sen. Randy Richardville (R-17)

To revise the state film incentive program, converting it into a straightforward subsidy program rather than an indirect one, with awards of up to 30 percent of the expenses a film producer incurs in Michigan. Reportedly the bill’s sponsor wants to increase the subsidies from $25 million already appropriated in 2012 to $100 million annually.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development

Nov. 3, 2011

Reported without amendment

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

Substitute offered

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

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Bert Johnson (D-2)

To require quarterly reports on film subsidies to be posted on the internet.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Sen. Bert Johnson (D-2)

To require the name of each film producer who gets a subsidy to be disclosed, plus the amount.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 34 to 4 (details)

To convert the state film incentive program into straightforward handouts to producers, rather than indirect ones paid through the expiring Michigan Business Tax, with payments of up 32 percent of a producer's Michigan payroll expense, plus some additional subsidies. For 2012, $25 million was appropriated for these subsidies, but nothing in the bill limits how much the Michigan film office can authorize, and once it does the state is obligated to pay. Reportedly the bill sponsor wants to increase the annual payouts to $100 million.

Received in the House

Nov. 3, 2011

Referred to the Committee on Commerce

Dec. 1, 2011

Reported without amendment

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

Dec. 14, 2011

Substitute offered

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

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Vicki Barnett (D-37)

To also grant subsidies for commercial advertisement producers.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-45)

To require assessments of the film subsidy program to include the "negative impact of the tax monies taken from businesses and citizens" to pay for the subsidies to film producers.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Mike Shirkey (R-65)

To not pay subsidies to a producer who exceeds estimates of how much tax revenue the state can expect as a result of the film being produced here.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Dec. 15, 2011

Passed in the House 92 to 15 (details)

To convert the state film incentive program into straightforward handouts to producers, rather than indirect ones paid through the expiring Michigan Business Tax, with payments of up 32 percent of a producer's Michigan payroll expense, plus some additional subsidies. For 2012, $25 million was appropriated for these subsidies, but nothing in the bill limits how much the Michigan film office can authorize, and once it does the state is obligated to pay. Reportedly the bill sponsor wants to increase the annual payouts to $100 million.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 15, 2011

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

Passed in the Senate 35 to 3 (details)

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

Dec. 21, 2011