Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 596

Bill Title: Income Tax - Film Production Activity Credit

Bill Sponsor(s): Senator Kasemeyer, et al.

Subject: Budget & Tax

Committee: B&T

Bill Summary: This bill would have repealed the film production wage rebate program and replaced it with an income tax credit of 28% of the direct costs of a film production located in Maryland that costs over $500,000. Film productions would have applied to the Secretary of DBED for a tax credit certificate estimating the costs of the production.

History: Maryland has had a film production wage rebate grant program since 2005 as a means of attracting film productions to Maryland. The program allows film productions to apply for a rebate of up to 25% of the direct costs of a film production located in Maryland that costs over $500,000. The program's funding was $4 million in FY 08, $2.5 million in FY 09 and $2 million in FY 10. In 2009 SB 596 died without a vote in the Budget & Taxation Committee.

Chamber Position: Support

Position Summary: Film productions make a valuable contribution to Maryland's economy and provide important spending on wages and materials in the state.

Position Statement: Click here (pdf)

Chamber Staff: Ronald Wineholt

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.