H.J.R. 23

1

RESOLUTION URGING STUDY OF
2 INCENTIVES FOR FILM INDUSTRY
3 PRODUCTION IN UTAH
4 2004 GENERAL SESSION
5 STATE OF UTAH
6 Sponsor: Sheryl L. Allen
7
8 LONG TITLE
9 General Description:
10 This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the Workforce Services and Community
11 and Economic Development Interim Committee to study financial incentives for the
12 motion picture, television, and commercial production industries.
13 Highlighted Provisions:
14 This resolution:
15 . urges the Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim
16 Committee to study creating a financial incentive plan that will enhance the
17 retention and expansion of the motion picture, television, and commercial
18 production industries and the ability of the state to attract additional production to
19 the state;
20 . urges the study to be conducted during the 2004 interim;
21 . urges the Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim
22 Committee to consider testimony from certain interested parties; and
23 . urges the consideration of recommended actions of the study to enhance the
24 retention and expansion of the motion picture, television, and commercial
25 production industries and actions to attract additional production to the state.
26 Special Clauses:
27 None

28
29 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
30 WHEREAS, the motion picture, television, and commercial production industries are
31 an important part of Utah's economic development and a major contributor to a vibrant
32 economy;
33 WHEREAS, the retention of the state's existing motion picture, television, and
34 commercial production industries is critical for the employment and welfare of numerous
35 professionals in these industries who are citizens of the state;
36 WHEREAS, Utah has enjoyed a reputation for providing the most unique and diverse
37 production locations;
38 WHEREAS, Utah has created an infrastructure of professional crews, experienced
39 talent, and exceptional support services;
40 WHEREAS, the use of Utah locations, crews, talent, and support services has been
41 financially important to the state's overall economy;
42 WHEREAS, Utah has been in the top five states for production for several years prior
43 to 2001;
44 WHEREAS, other cities, states, provinces, and countries have created financial
45 incentives to attract the motion picture, television, and commercial production industries to
46 their jurisdictions;
47 WHEREAS, Utah has not created any financial incentives in order to be competitive in
48 attracting these industries; and
49 WHEREAS, Utah production days have steadily decreased since 2001 as have jobs in
50 these industries:
51 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of the state of Utah
52 urges the Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim Committee
53 to study, during the 2004 interim, issues relating to the financial incentives necessary to create
54 a competitive motion picture, television, and commercial production industries climate.
55 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the Workforce Services and
56 Community and Economic Development Interim Committee to also study the creation of a
57 business plan for financial incentives that will enhance the retention and expansion of the
58 motion picture, television, and commercial production industries and the state's ability to attract

59 additional productions.
60 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the Workforce Services and
61 Community and Economic Development Interim Committee to invite testimony on these issues
62 from interested parties including professionals from the motion picture, television, and
63 commercial production industries, retail merchants, county governments, municipal
64 governments, travel councils, restaurants, hotels, car rental agencies, and the Utah State Tax
65 Commission.
66 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the Chairs of
67 the Workforce Services and Community and Economic Development Interim Committee, the
68 Utah Film Commission, the Utah League of Cities and Towns, the Utah Association of
69 Counties, Utah's Chambers of Commerce, and the Utah State Tax Commission.




Legislative Review Note
as of 2-4-04 4:06 PM

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

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel