Michigan Senate Bill SB0661

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/30/25
• Refer: 10/30/25

Caption

Economic development: other; 1964 PA 286; amend to reflect elimination of the Michigan strategic fund. Amends sec. 6b of 1964 PA 286 (MCL 247.806b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0631'25

Summary

SB 661 amends the state transportation code provision that allows the Michigan transportation commission or its director to let film productions use commission-controlled property without charge. The bill keeps that basic authority in place, but updates the statutory language and definitions to reflect changes in state economic development law, including the elimination of the Michigan Strategic Fund reference in the caption and the related film-office structure. The bill defines “film” broadly to include traditional and digital media such as motion pictures, television programming, internet content, video games, commercials, sound recordings, and interactive websites. It also continues to prohibit use of commission property for productions containing obscene matter or obscene performances, or productions subject to federal performer-recordkeeping requirements under 18 USC 2257. The department and commission would still be required to cooperate with the Michigan film office by sharing information about potential filming locations and property use.

Impact

If enacted, SB 661 would amend MCL 247.806b to preserve and clarify the state’s authority to provide free use of transportation commission property for film production, treating the economic benefits of filming in Michigan as adequate consideration. It would not create a new program so much as update existing law governing state property use for filming, while maintaining restrictions on obscene productions and continuing coordination with the Michigan film office. The bill is tie-barred to SB 631, meaning it would not take effect unless that companion bill also becomes law.

Sentiment

The available context suggests the bill is generally supportive of film production and economic development in Michigan, with no recorded committee testimony or votes indicating opposition or controversy. Its purpose appears technical and administrative, aimed at aligning statutes with the restructuring of state economic development entities while preserving an existing film-location incentive. Because there are no transcripts or vote records provided, there is no evidence of divided sentiment in the available materials.

Contention

The main substantive limits in the bill are the exclusions for obscene content and productions subject to 18 USC 2257 recordkeeping, which reflect content and compliance concerns rather than economic policy disputes. The other notable issue is the bill’s tie-bar to SB 631, indicating that its effectiveness depends on companion legislation related to the Michigan Strategic Fund and film-office structure. Any contention would likely center on the scope of state property use for private film production and the statutory cleanup tied to the elimination of the Michigan Strategic Fund, but no specific objections are documented in the provided record.