Get Current Information on Legislation Affecting Motion Media Professionals in Missouri.
Status of the Film Office as of July 10, 2008: The film office has been moved back to Jefferson City and will be housed at DED. The legislation that increased the film office's budget from $150,000 per year (included salaries and operations) to $250,000 per year is moot at this point. The budget will remain at $150,000 at least through April of 2009. This is due to a glitch caused by the original move to the University of Missouri 3 years ago. The film office staff needs to remain University of MO employees at least through April 09 in order to retain their accrued retirement benefits. The statute that provides for the increase in the film office budget can not apply if the film office staff are employees of the University. It's the proverbial "Catch 22." Note that the department of Economic Development is aware of this and is trying to find a resolution as is State Rep. Ed Robb and MOMMA.
STATUS OF FILM OFFICE FUNDING - As of 5/02/03 Senate approved $250,000 appropriation in the Missouri Division of Tourism's budget and it still appears that the Film Office will be moved back to the Division of Tourism.
STATUS OF FILM OFFICE FUNDING - As of 4/11/08 It appears that there is support for the $250,000 appropriation from the Missouri Division of Tourism's budget. The bill also provides for moving the film office back to Jefferson City. We are not opposed to this IF the Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Division of Tourism are committed to supporting the Missouri Film industry as both an economic development and tourism generation vehicle, on an on-going basis, by assuring adequate staffing and budget for the Film Office. We want to thank state representative, Ed Robb, again for his continued efforts to that end.
STATUS OF FILM OFFICE FUNDING - As of 4/09/08 - Appropriation committee moved funding for the Missouri Film office to the Division of Tourism's budget and allotted $250,000. The committee recommendation now goes to the full senate. WRITE your state Senator TODAY! Please emphasize the importance of maintaining Film Office funding.
STATUS OF HB 2003 - Film Office Funding: Reported to the Senate and First Read. Not yet on a calendar or scheduled for hearing. PLEASE write your legislators and urge them to support funding for the Film office included in HB 2003!
IMPORTANT BULLETIN: Floor debate this morning on appropriations. You can listen live this morning at http://www.house.mo.gov/ The Film Office budget recommendation will be part of the floor debate. Once the floor debate is completed, the bill (HB 3156) will be on the calendar and we will be able to tell you more about Senate hearings. Stay tuned to this page for more information.
IMPORTANT BULLETIN!
1-16-08 Funding for the Missouri Film Office was not included as a line item in the Governor's budget. Discussions regarding maintaining the Film Office budget through the next fiscal year have begun and we will keep you posted on progress. Please check this space often.
1-15-08 Governor's budget to be announced tonight - awaiting news on Missouri Film Office inclusion - watch this space for more information!
When there is legislation affecting Missouri Motion Media professionals, you can click on Legislation Watch and get up-to-date information on the status of all bills, committee hearing schedules, news reports and more.
The 2008 Missouri legislative session convenes on January 9 and adjourns on May 16. Watch this space for information on bills affecting the Missouri motion media industry.