Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

Arkansas House Bill HB1592

Introduced
3/9/23  
Refer
3/9/23  
Report Pass
3/15/23  
Engrossed
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Report Pass
3/30/23  
Enrolled
4/5/23  
Chaptered
4/10/23  

Caption

To Amend The Digital Product And Motion Picture Industry Development Act Of 2009.

Impact

The changes instituted by HB1592 are designed to enhance the state's appeal as a destination for film and digital media projects. By offering substantial tax incentives, the bill encourages production companies to invest in Arkansas, thus fostering local economic growth and providing job opportunities for residents. Specifically, the incentives for below-the-line employees and veteran businesses aim to ensure that the financial benefits of film production are distributed within the state, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions categorized as Tier 3 or Tier 4 counties under state guidelines.

Summary

House Bill 1592 aims to amend the Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act of 2009, focusing on increasing tax incentives for film and digital media production companies in Arkansas. The proposed amendments raise the tax incentive from 20% to 25% on qualified production costs and introduces additional incentives for hiring in specific areas, particularly targeting below-the-line employees who are full-time residents or veterans. The bill aims to stimulate economic growth in the state by promoting job creation within the film industry and attracting outside production companies to Arkansas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1592 appears to be largely positive among legislators and stakeholders in the film industry. Proponents argue that the legislation will bolster Arkansas' position in the competitive landscape of film production, citing successful precedents set by other states with similar tax incentive programs. However, there are concerns regarding the effectiveness of these measures and whether they will translate into substantial economic activity. Skeptics caution that without comprehensive evaluations and accountability mechanisms, the intended benefits may fall short.

Contention

While the amendments to the Digital Product and Motion Picture Industry Development Act are mostly supported, some contention remains around the potential long-term impact of increased tax incentives. Detractors question the sustainability of financing such incentives and whether they genuinely lead to meaningful job creation and economic benefits for local communities. Additionally, discussions have highlighted the need for robust oversight to ensure that the tax incentives do not disproportionately favor large production companies at the expense of smaller, local entities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AR SB78

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB79

To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023; To Provide For The Regulation Of Digital Asset Mining Businesses; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1009

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR5

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Act Of 2023 And To Prohibit Foreign-party-controlled Ownership Of A Digital Asset Mining Business.

AR SR10

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR HR1013

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act.

AR SR17

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB77

To Amend The Uniform Classification And Compensation Act; And To Declare An Emergency.

AR HR1020

To Authorize The Introduction Of A Nonappropriation Bill To Amend The Arkansas Data Centers Acts Of 2023, To Regulate Digital Asset Mining Businesses And Businesses Utilizing A Blockchain Network, And To Declare An Emergency.

AR SB43

An Act For The Department Of Human Services - Division Of Developmental Disabilities Services Appropriation For The 2024-2025 Fiscal Year.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.