Film Legislation Update, 3/4/05

Here's a summary and status report on the film bills we are tracking:

1. HB1590, Relating to the Hawaii Film & Digital Media Industry

The latest draft (HD1) contains the following major provisions:
* Increases refundable production tax credit from 4% to 15% on Oahu and 20% on neighbor islands
* Lowers minimum spending requirement to $200K
* Allows additional categories of film & TV projects to qualify for credit
* Caps claims per production at $8 million
* Sets effective dates of 1/1/05 to 12/31/10
FULL BILL TEXT: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/hb1590_hd1_.htm

>>Status: On 3/2, the House Finance committee (FIN) unanimously passed this bill with amendments, including a blanked-out percentage and a "defective date" of 2099. These changes are made to allow for further discussion on the bill.
>>Next: FIN will issue a new draft (HD2) of this bill, which will cross over to the Senate by 3/10 to be heard by the pertinent committees. During these hearings, there will be a chance for the public to give testimony for or against the bill.
_________________________________________________

2. SB541, Relating to the Hawaii Film & Digital Media Industry

The latest draft (SD1) contains the following major provisions:
* Temporarily increases refundable production tax credit from 4% to 15% 0n Oahu and 20% on neighbor islands
* Lowers minimum spending requirement to $200K
* Allows additional categories of film & TV projects to qualify for credit
* Caps claims per production at $8M
* Sets effective dates of 1/1/05 to 12/31/10
* Allows music recordings over $20K to qualify for credit
* Establishes wage reimbursement credit of __% for below-the-line hires that are Hawaii residents
* Revises definition of "performing arts products" in provisions related to Act 221 & royalties exemption to include digital media and analog sound recordings
FULL BILL TEXT: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb541_sd1_.htm

>>Status: On 2/25, the Senate Ways & Means committee (WAM) passed this bill with amendments, including a cap of $1 and a "defective date." These changes are made to allow for further discussion on the bill. Everyone voted yes on the bill except for Senator Gordon Trimble, who voted no.
>>Next: WAM will issue a new draft (SD2) of this bill, which will cross over to the House by 3/10 to be heard by the pertinent committees. During these hearings, there will be a chance for the public to give testimony for or against the bill.
_________________________________________________

3. SB1304, Relating to Television & Film Industry Development

The latest draft (SD1) contains the following major provisions:
* Appropriates $2 million per year for 2 years to the TV&Film Board Special Fund for the creation of grants for local filmmakers
* Increases size of board from 9 to 11 members
* Allows board to form subcommittees and sets guidelines for the administration of grant and loan programs
FULL BILL TEXT: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb1304_sd1_.htm

>>Status: On 2/25, the Senate Ways & Means committee (WAM) unanimously passed this bill with amendments.
>>Next: WAM will issue a new draft (SD2) of this bill, which will cross over to the House by 3/10 to be heard by the pertinent committees. During these hearings, there will be a chance for the public to give testimony for or against the bill.
_________________________________________________

4. SB1794, Relating to the Hawaii Film & Digital Media Industry

The latest draft contains the following major provision:
* Appropriates $700K to the state and county film offices for marketing, operations, and business development
FULL BILL TEXT: http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/sessioncurrent/bills/sb1794_.htm

>>Status: On 2/18, the Senate Media, Arts, Science & Technology committee (MAT) passed this bill unamended.
>>Next: WAM will vet this bill and decide by 3/24 whether or not to recommend its inclusion in a revised state budget.
_________________________________________________

More Information on the Legislative Process:

How a Bill Becomes a Law
How to Write Testimony
House Committees & Info on Reps
Senate Committees & Info on Senators
Search for a Bill or Committee Report
Other Questions
_________________________________________________

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Contact individual legislators on the pertinent committees directly to make your views known. Their contact information can be found on the committee pages:
Senate: MAT, WAM
House: TAC, EDB, FIN

2. Keep abreast of when committee hearings are scheduled (check this blog), and prepare and submit testimony at least 24 hours prior to a hearing. Instructions on how to submit testimony can be found at the bottom of hearing notices, which I will post on this blog. Then, attend the hearing to deliver your testimony orally.