LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — State lawmakers wrapped up another day of Nevada’s special session Sunday, with hours of debate focused on a film studio bill that would bring tax credits to Las Vegas.
The Nevada Studio Infrastructure Jobs and Workforce Training Act, known as the Summerlin Studios bill, survived the state Assembly and led to extensive discussion on Assembly Bill 5 in the Senate.
Construction unions support film studio proposal
Construction unions showed strong support for legislation that proponents said would bring thousands of jobs to the valley to build a film studio in Summerlin.
“We’re concerned that if we don’t have jobs here in Las Vegas or in the state of Nevada, our workers have to continue to go out of state,” said Brandon Morris of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters. “There’s nothing that hurts worse than continuing to go out of state and the strain it puts on families.”
UNLV leaders see the potential studio as an outlet for higher education opportunities.
“Our college of fine arts enrolls more than 2,600 students across fields that feed directly into the state’s creative economy including more than 400 students working towards a bachelor’s degree in film,” said Chris Heavey, UNLV president. “These students are beyond eager for the kinds of internships and professional opportunities that a film studio would provide.”
Critics question return on investment
The bill proposes $120 million in tax credits annually, leading opponents to question return on investment and how it may affect resources for other services.
“I calculated that the general fund, with $1.4 billion put in to this, would recover only $141 million meaning that over the course of the 15 year program we would be looking at a loss in the general fund of $1.2 billion,” said Michael J. Brown, UNLV Lincy Institute Fellow.
Maggie Babb, a Washoe County Schools second grade teacher, said the credits would come from education funding.
“These credits will come from the same pot of general fund money that supports my classroom,” Babb said. “If you take money away from that fund, you limit the state’s ability to hire and retain educators like me.”
Windsor Park bill advances
A bill to help fund the revival of a North Las Vegas neighborhood advanced during the weekend’s special session.
Senate Bill 6 addresses the Windsor Park community where homes have been sinking for decades. The bill passed in the Senate and will now head to the state Assembly.
If passed during this special session, Senate Bill 6 would allocate $25 million more from the state’s general fund.
“We had enough money to do 59 homes currently, which is why we’re here, but there are 93 people who need a change,” said Senator Dina Neal. “I will not have the story of these residents diminished.”
Senator Robin Titus opposed the measure, saying “Sometimes we make tough decisions. But I represent all Nevadans. I have to stand up for all families. I urge my fellow senators to be a no.”
Any unused money would go back to the state. The old homes will be knocked down and the land turned into a park.
E-scooter legislation off the table
New laws surrounding e-scooters will not be considered during this special session. The governor set the session agenda Wednesday and laws for e-scooters are not included.
Lawmakers said there were two proposals for a workaround: amend the school zone bill and add statewide rules and regulations for e-scooters and e-bikes. But legal counsel told a committee Friday that change is not possible.
Assemblywoman Venecia Considine proposed a study to better analyze accident trends, options for laws and penalties for traffic violations. The resolution passed the Assembly and heads to the Senate.
The hope was to complete the special session Sunday night, but the Assembly is set to meet Monday. The Senate committee ended the hearing on the film bill Saturday night, going into recess indefinitely shortly after 9 p.m.
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