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There was no drama and few twists and turns Tuesday when the House passed a bill that would continue tax breaks for movie and television productions that choose to film in Utah.
The bill, HB99, would eliminate a sunset clause in the current program and allow a tax incentive program to continue indefinitely through the Governor's Office of Economic Development. It would also require film companies to spend the money in the state first before receiving the tax breaks.
Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper, said he drafted the bill because he believes film shoots in the state are good economic drivers and there is little downside to having those companies spend money, hire local workers and use area goods in exchange for tax rebates.
"It is a lasting economic engine to the state of Utah," Hughes said.
It passed 57-12 and now goes to the Senate.
Rep. Susan Duckworth, D-Magna, said the film industry has been a boost to the area economy. Magna has been the site of filming for the TV series "Touched by an Angel," the Tom Cruise vehicle "Days of Thunder" and the 2009 suspense movie, "S. Darko."
"We've had a number of films come into our community and take advantage of the landscape and buildings we have there, with the help of this incentive fund," Duckworth said.
But Rep. Jim Nielsen, R-Bountiful, said during tight economic times, he'd rather see money shifted toward areas that are currently facing cuts — including education and prisons.