S.J.R. 13

1

JOINT RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING USE OF
2 STATE PROPERTY FOR FILMING
3 2001 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Sponsor: David L. Gladwell
6 This joint resolution of the Legislature urges that film production companies be granted
7 incentives to do business in Utah, including filming on state property free of charge except
8 for actual costs.
9 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
10 WHEREAS, for many years the state of Utah has provided a vast array of natural settings
11 and vistas for use by film production companies from around the world;
12 WHEREAS, during the last 11 years, film production companies have spent $1 billion in
13 the state of Utah;
14 WHEREAS, while in Utah, film production companies often utilize the state's talented
15 community of actors, crew, and support service providers to complete their production plans;
16 WHEREAS, many states offer lucrative incentives to attract film production companies;
17 WHEREAS, for example, Wyoming offers free use of state-owned property, including state
18 parks;
19 WHEREAS, Arizona provides sales tax rebates on production-related expenses and does
20 not charge for the use of state parks;
21 WHEREAS, Montana does not charge film production companies sales tax or a room tax;
22 out-of-state vehicles used exclusively in the production of motion pictures, television, or
23 commercials are exempt from licensing requirements for 180 days; and a migratory or transient
24 property or equipment is granted for out-of-state equipment used in the filming process for up to
25 180 days;
26 WHEREAS, New Mexico provides sales tax incentives and has established a $20 million
27 film financing fund created from severance tax funds, referred to as community impact monies in

28 Utah;
29 WHEREAS, Utah should consider measures that would permit the state to remain
30 competitive with other states in attracting film production companies;
31 WHEREAS, permitting film production companies to film on state-owned property free
32 of charge, except for the assessment of actual costs, would increase the state's profile as a single
33 destination for filmmakers who seek not only the variety of enchanting vistas and manpower
34 resources the state has to offer but also to keep their projects cost effective; and
35 WHEREAS, providing reasonable incentives will help the state of Utah to enjoy continued
36 economic benefit by remaining an ideal destination for film production companies:
37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah urges
38 that incentives, including filming on state-owned property free of charge except for actual
39 expenses, be utilized to enhance the state's ability to attract film production companies to Utah.
40 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges that incentives be provided so
41 that the state can continue to enjoy the many economic benefits which flow from hosting film
42 production companies.
43 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Utah Film
44 Commission.




Legislative Review Note
as of 2-19-01 6:57 AM

A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel