Nevada Lawmakers Push for $1.4B Film Tax Package to Draw Major Studios
Nevada lawmakers have reintroduced AB 238, a $1.4 billion film tax incentive package to make the state a premier film and television production destination. The bill failed to advance in 2023 and has returned with strong backing from industry giants like Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Discovery, who have pledged significant investments if the incentives are approved.
If passed, AB 238 would allocate up to $80 million annually in transferable film infrastructure tax credits from 2028 to 2043 and an additional $15 million in non-infrastructure credits each year. The initiative, led by Assemblymembers Sandra Jauregui and Daniele Monroe-Moreno, is formally titled the Nevada Studio Infrastructure Jobs and Workforce Training Act and aims to establish a long-term production hub in Southern Nevada.
Sony is advancing plans for a studio in Summerlin, which is already shovel-ready, while Warner Bros. Discovery is moving forward with a studio at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research & Technology Park — though the company is currently seeking a new development partner after splitting from Birtcher Development.
To qualify for the incentives, studios must meet strict criteria, including:
- Operational in the Summerlin facility
- Filming at least 50% of their project in Nevada
- Demonstrate they have at least 70% of the necessary funding
Proponents argue that AB 238 would diversify Nevada’s economy beyond tourism and gaming, creating thousands of high-paying jobs and building sustainable film infrastructure. Sony and Warner Bros. Discovery have signaled their willingness to invest hundreds of millions in Nevada’s production landscape, contingent on the bill’s approval.
However, some critics, including actor Jeremy Renner, have raised concerns about the bill’s focus on Southern Nevada and its lack of benefits for Northern communities. “I have a desire and want to…speak up for people in Elko (County), people up here in Washoe (County), that we also deserve the opportunity to reap the benefits of building studios, jobs, infrastructure for the film industry,” Renner told The Associated Press. “And that’s my main impetus to be here.”
With bipartisan interest and industry backing, AB 238 faces a critical test in the current legislative session. Supporters hope the revised bill will finally pass, positioning Nevada as a major player in the film industry for years to come.
