A bill that would secure $98 million in film tax credits per year for the development of a 34-acre Nevada Studios complex at UNLV’s Harry Reid Research and Technology Park has advanced in the Nevada Legislature.

Called the Nevada Film Infrastructure, Workforce Development, Education and Economic Diversification Act, the bill SB 220 passed out of the Senate Revenue and Economic Development Committee on April 10. Developed by Birtcher Nevada Development, Nevada Studios would be operated by MBS Group. 

“SB 220 provides a pathway toward full recapture of every public dollar invested in film tax credits, assuring that public money will remain invested on public land, while bridging gaps in diversification and workforce opportunity,” said Sen. Roberta Lange, who introduced the bill.

According to a news release, the legislation also introduces a “Creative Technology Initiative” that “supports economic diversification by attracting high-growth sectors: aerospace and defense, healthcare technology and video game publishing.”

The bill also includes provisions for tax credits to go to film workforce education and development, allocating 20% of film tax credits in the first three years and 10% annually thereafter to the creation of a 50,000-square-foot Nevada Media and Technology Lab on public land at UNLV’s technology park in the southwest valley.

“This facility and the fund will power workforce development programs from middle school to university levels, overseen by a board appointed by the legislature and governor,” the news release reads.

Although the bill garnered support from stakeholders like the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and other stakeholders, the Nevada State Education Association submitted a letter of opposition to the bill emphasizing “schools over studios” and arguing that film tax credit programs have been shown to cost other states more than they bring in—money that could be used to better fund schools.

“Sadly, there has been a fundamental contradiction in the actions of Nevada leaders when it comes to properly funding public education and other vital state services. While nearly every elected official claims to prioritize education, there’s a competing record of corporate giveaways, from Tesla to the Raiders, that cost the state over a billion dollars,” the NSEA said.

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