Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SB91

Introduced
1/24/23  
Refer
1/25/23  
Report Pass
2/17/23  
Engrossed
3/1/23  
Refer
3/1/23  
Report Pass
3/20/23  

Caption

Enacting the Kansas film and digital media industry production development act, providing a tax credit, sales tax exemption and loans and grants to incentivize film, video and digital media production in Kansas, establishing a program to be administered by the secretary of commerce for the purpose of developing such production in Kansas and requiring the secretary of commerce to issue reports on the economic impact of the act.

Impact

The legislation has significant implications for state laws as it amends existing tax statutes related to film and media production. Specifically, it creates designated funds within the state treasury to finance workforce training and business investments aimed at elevating the local film industry. Furthermore, the bill mandates annual reporting requirements from the secretary of commerce to monitor the effectiveness of the programs and gauge their impact on the local economy. Critics and proponents of the bill view it through different lenses; while supporters hail it as a necessary step toward nurturing local talent and attracting investments, skeptics express concern over long-term sustainability and the potential for inefficiencies in administering such funds.

Summary

Senate Bill 91, known as the Kansas Film and Digital Media Production Development Act, is designed to stimulate the economic growth of the film, video, and digital media production industry in Kansas. The bill establishes a framework for providing tax incentives, including income tax credits and sales tax exemptions for production companies engaged in certified projects. The goal of the bill is to foster a robust industry ecosystem that not only attracts but retains film production projects within the state. To this end, various support programs are outlined that aim to boost workforce training and direct investments in Kansas-based businesses related to the film and digital media industry.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB 91 is its projected economic impact against the backdrop of state budget constraints. Even though the supporters advocate for the job creation and economic stimulation aspects, concerns have been raised regarding the accountability and transparency of the funds allocated under the act. Also, doubts persist about the effectiveness of tax incentives in truly captivating high-quality productions that can yield lasting benefits for Kansas. As the program is set to phase out income tax credits and sales exemptions post-2032, there are discussions on how to balance immediate economic benefits against sustainable long-term growth for Kansas's film industry.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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