Economic development: other; Michigan military act; amend to reflect elimination of the Michigan strategic fund. Amends sec. 337 of 1967 PA 150 (MCL 32.737). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0631'25
Summary
SB 648 amends section 337 of the Michigan military act to continue allowing the adjutant general to authorize the use, without charge, of property owned or controlled by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for film production in Michigan. The bill treats the economic and other benefits of filming in the state as the consideration received in exchange for the use of state military property, and it requires the adjutant general to set the terms and conditions for such use.
The bill also preserves restrictions on what kinds of productions may use military department property. The adjutant general may not approve use for productions containing obscene matter or obscene performances, or for productions subject to federal performer-recordkeeping requirements under 18 USC 2257. In addition, the department must cooperate with the Michigan film office by sharing information about potential filming locations and property use.
In practical terms, the bill updates the Michigan military act to reflect the elimination of the Michigan strategic fund while still referencing the Michigan film office as the coordinating entity. It also broadens the statutory definition of “film” to include a wide range of modern media, such as television programming, internet programming, video games, digital animation, and interactive websites, which expands the kinds of productions that may qualify to use state military property.
The general sentiment reflected in the bill text is supportive of film production as an economic development tool. The measure frames access to state property as a way to attract production activity and generate benefits for Michigan, while maintaining content-based limits to avoid obscene or regulated productions. No committee testimony or recorded votes were provided, so there is no additional evidence of opposition or support beyond the bill’s stated policy approach.
The main point of contention is likely the balance between promoting film industry activity and controlling the use of military and veterans affairs property. The bill gives the adjutant general broad discretion over approvals and conditions, and it excludes certain adult-content productions. The tie-bar to SB 631 indicates the bill is part of a larger package and would not take effect unless the companion bill is enacted.
Impact
SB 648 would amend MCL 32.737 in the Michigan military act to authorize, and regulate, the free use of Department of Military and Veterans Affairs property for film production. It would preserve the existing policy that the state may treat the economic benefits of filming as adequate consideration, require cooperation with the Michigan film office, and maintain prohibitions on obscene or federally regulated productions. The bill also updates the statutory framework by expanding the definition of “film” to cover a broad range of modern digital and multimedia content, while tying its effective date to enactment of SB 631.
Sentiment
The bill appears generally favorable toward film-industry development and the use of state property to attract production activity. Its language emphasizes economic benefits to Michigan and continued cooperation with the film office, suggesting a pro-development posture. At the same time, the bill retains content restrictions and administrative discretion, indicating an effort to balance economic promotion with oversight and public standards. No votes or committee transcripts were provided, so there is no recorded legislative debate to indicate stronger support or opposition.
Contention
The likely areas of contention are the use of military and veterans affairs property for private film production, the breadth of the definition of “film,” and the exclusion of productions involving obscene content or 18 USC 2257 recordkeeping. Supporters would likely emphasize economic development, tourism, and location-based production opportunities, while critics may question whether state-controlled property should be made available without charge or whether the definition is too expansive. The tie-bar to SB 631 also means the bill’s effect depends on companion legislation, which can be a procedural point of concern.
Same As
Economic development: Michigan strategic fund; Michigan strategic fund; eliminate, and create the economic development fair competition and free enterprise act. Creates new act & repeals (See bill).