10-05-2025
Nevada film tax credit proposal promises jobs, spurs debate
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — As a bill that would introduce a movie industry tax credit is considered, Nevadans debated on Friday the quantity of jobs it will create, and if the legislation is competitive with other states.
During a May 9 Nevada Assembly Ways and Means Committee meeting, legislators heard arguments for and against an $80 million annual tax credit, possibly starting in 2028 and ending in 2043.
'We're asking in this bill for the industry to make an investment in the state of Nevada,' Nevada Assemblywoman Danielle Monroe-Moreno said.
The studios would have to spend a minimum of $400 million in Nevada, 50 percent of its photography and filming must take place in Nevada, and the film would need to be finished within 18 months to qualify for the tax credits.
Electrical and carpentry worker unions filled the Nevada Legislature hearing room in Las Vegas. Most of them voiced support for Assembly Bill 238.
'This is going to be a multi-generational type of investment within the state,' said Ronnie Young, spokesperson for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. 'We're looking at not only job growth, but a diversification of the economy in Nevada, which … is going to produce apprenticeship opportunities, new trades.'
The committee heard arguments against the Assembly Bill, specifically about concerns over the competitiveness of the tax credits. Anahit Baghshetsyan, a research assistant at Nevada Policy, made the case that the Assembly Bill would be similar to those in effect in 30 other states, potentially making the incentive less competitive.
'We cannot base our policy recommendations on shallow promises,' Baghshetsyan said. 'But we can base it on existing statistics and make sure that Nevada doesn't go down the wrong road.'
Young responded to claim that the tax credit and movie studio in Summerlin was unfair to northern Nevadans.
'If you think about it, there's tons of places to film within Nevada,' Young said. 'They're not limiting it to just Southern Nevada … Tahoe is beautiful. The mountains of Reno are beautiful. We have some really cinematic-ready areas in Nevada. I think that they can expand … all over the state.'
A similar film bill, currently in the State Senate, would build a studio for rent at Harry Reid Technology Park.
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