Us Congress House Bill HB1456

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Report Pass: 7/26/23

Caption

SCREEN Act Stopping Communist Regimes from Engaging in Edits Now Act

Impact

The implications for state laws encompass a broader conversation about the role of government in regulating the film industry and protecting the integrity of American creative works from foreign censorship. Supporters argue that this bill is crucial in safeguarding U.S. companies from indirectly supporting the CCP's narrative or facilitating its propaganda through altered film content. Conversely, critics may view this legislation as an infringement on artistic freedom, arguing that all countries engage in some form of content revision for international markets, and this bill may disproportionately hinder U.S. film businesses engaged in legitimate cultural exchanges.

Summary

House Bill 1456, known as the 'SCREEN Act' or Stopping Communist Regimes from Engaging in Edits Now Act, seeks to restrict the appropriation of federal funds for the production of films that seek approval or adapt content to meet the specifications of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The bill centers around the idea that by limiting or prohibiting federal resources from being used for such films, it can counteract the influence of communist regimes on cultural content exported from the United States. Under this law, any U.S. company endeavoring to produce a film with federal assistance must disclose prior content submissions made to Chinese officials or the CCP regarding the film's approval for screening in China, thereby establishing transparency and accountability in filmmaking that is influenced by foreign governments.

Contention

A significant point of contention surrounding HB 1456 is the balance between national interests and the freedom of artistic expression. While proponents assert that the U.S. should not subsidize films that compromise their content to appease foreign censors, opponents claim that such limitations may stifle creativity and collaboration in a globalized film industry. The stipulations in the bill could lead to fewer films being produced that include international collaboration, resulting in a less diverse cinematic landscape in the U.S.