Production Tax Credit Bill Advances

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California lawmakers on Thursday advanced a bill to combat runaway production by expanding the state’s film and TV tax credit.

The state Senate Appropriations Committee passed Assembly Bill 1839, which would increase the state’s production tax credit to $400 million a year, up from $100 million a year. The increase would start in 2016.

The bill also seeks to replace the current lottery system with a more competitive selection process. Applicants would also be ranked by how many jobs they would bring to the state. It would also reportedly open up the tax credit to films with a budget of more $75 million, which is currently the maximum.

The bill is intended to help California compete with states such as New York, which currently offers an annual $420 million tax credit and has successfully lured away many productions.

The bill was introduced in February by Los Angeles assembly members Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) and Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) and approved by the assembly in March. The bill awaits a vote by the senate later this month, and will also need approval from the governor.

“Passing this expanded and improved program is a critical step forward to bringing back high-paying film jobs to California,” Bocanegra said in a statement.

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