Urges and requests the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees Local 478 to allow Baton Rouge, Louisiana to become a production center in its upcoming negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers
Impact
The passing of HCR69 invites attention to the disparities faced by Baton Rouge in the competitive landscape of the film industry. Establishing the city as a production center would not only level the playing field for local labor but potentially increase production and employment opportunities in the area. This could lead to a significant influx in film-related projects, thereby boosting the local economy. Moreover, the resolution emphasizes the need for taking steps to support the local workforce and resolve financial inequalities arising because of IATSE's previous decisions, which limit production growth in Baton Rouge.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 69 (HCR69) urges the International Alliance of Theatrical State Employees (IATSE) Local 478 to allow Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to become a recognized production center during their negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The bill highlights Baton Rouge's potential due to its rich history in hosting $1.3 billion worth of productions since 2009, and the need for equal treatment of local crew members compared to those in New Orleans, who currently enjoy compensation benefits that Baton Rouge crew do not receive. The resolution is part of a broader effort to enhance Baton Rouge's attractiveness as a filming location, given that it is the only city in the U.S. on the AMPTP's radar for production center designation.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR69 appears to be predominantly supportive among legislators and local stakeholders who understand the economic advantages of promoting Baton Rouge as a production center. Many see this resolution as an important step towards economic revitalization and labor equity within the state’s film industry. However, there may be tensions with union politics involving the IATSE, as previous objections from Local 478 have impacted Baton Rouge's status. The resolution aims to build a collaborative relationship between local film workers and the larger union body to foster growth.
Contention
One notable point of contention is the previous denial of Baton Rouge's production center status in 2012 due to opposition from Local 478. The bill raises concerns about potential pushbacks at the negotiation table, as existing inequalities in labor compensation continue to hinder the growth of the local workforce. Additionally, the bill points out the economic consequences of the current situation, such as increased production costs leading to higher tax credits issued by the state, complicating the budget. By advocating for recognition, HCR69 seeks to rectify these inequities and create a framework for long-term benefits to the Baton Rouge area.
Urges and requests the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport to support direct, nonstop commercial air service from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Washington D.C.
Establishes the Louisiana Headquartered Motion Picture Production Cooperative Endeavor Program and the Louisiana Headquartered Motion Picture Production Fund (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
Urges and requests the Department of Transportation and Development to include the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport in the passenger rail system between Baton Rouge to New Orleans
Requests the Louisiana Congressional Delegation to urge the secretary for the United States Army to allow the burial of a national guardsman at Arlington National Cemetery
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.