Louisiana House Bill HB832

Louisiana 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/22/15
• Refer: 4/27/15

Caption

Authorizes an additional 5% tax credit in the motion picture investor tax credit program for investors headquartered in La. for a certain period of time

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to attract more long-term investment in Louisiana's film sector, potentially boosting job creation and economic activity in related industries. The additional incentive for long-term investors aims to strengthen local partnerships and ensure that financial benefits are retained within the state. This could lead to an increase in the number of state-certified productions, increasing the vibrancy and competitiveness of Louisiana's film industry on a national scale.

Summary

House Bill 832, introduced by Representative Tim Burns, seeks to enhance Louisiana's motion picture investor tax credit program by adding an additional 5% tax credit for investors who have been headquartered in the state for over twelve months. This move aims to encourage local investment in the state's film industry and support productions that contribute to the local economy. Currently, the program allows a baseline tax credit of 30% for investments exceeding $300,000, coupled with a separate 5% credit for payroll related to Louisiana residents involved in the production.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 832 appears to be favorable among stakeholders in the film and entertainment industry. Proponents argue that enhancing tax credits will magnify incentives for investors and producers alike, positioning Louisiana as an attractive destination for film production. However, there may be concerns from some quarters about the sustainability of such tax incentives and their impact on state revenues over the long term.

Contention

While supporters see the additional tax incentive as a means of fostering economic development through film, some may argue about the balance of tax benefits to ensure equitable funding for other public services. There could also be discussions about the effectiveness of tax credits in truly growing the industry versus merely shifting existing investments. As with many fiscal policies, addressing how these credits impact state budgeting might become a point of contention in legislative discussions.