AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3 and Title 64, relative to the establishment of an arts, entertainment, and media megasite.
SB1179 would create a state-backed “arts, entertainment, and media megasite” in Tennessee, called the “Hollyssee Act.” The bill assigns the Department of Economic and Community Development responsibility for identifying and acquiring a site, developing a master plan, and supporting major infrastructure needs such as roads, utilities, and public transportation. It also directs the state to help build out a full creative-production campus that could include soundstages, film and television production facilities, music and performance venues, art galleries, museums, and virtual/augmented reality spaces.
The bill further requires the department to support workforce development and industry partnerships, including training programs, internships, apprenticeships, and job placement opportunities tied to arts, entertainment, and media careers. It also contemplates a governance structure through a new Tennessee Arts, Entertainment, and Media Megasite Authority, with a board made up of industry experts, local representatives, and state officials. The bill expresses legislative intent that the General Assembly appropriate $250 million in fiscal year 2025-2026 for initial development and authorizes rulemaking to implement the program.
If enacted, SB1179 would add a new section to Tennessee Code Annotated Title 4, Chapter 3, creating a statutory framework for a state-led creative industry megasite and related authority. It would not directly amend Title 64 in the text provided, but it would establish new duties for the Department of Economic and Community Development, create a new governing authority, and set up a pathway for future appropriations, incentives, grants, and public-private partnerships. The bill would likely affect state economic development policy, land acquisition, infrastructure planning, workforce training, and tax incentive administration for participating businesses and productions.
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition from legislative debate. Based on the bill text alone, the measure is framed positively as an economic development and innovation initiative, emphasizing job creation, creativity, and public-private investment. The absence of recorded action or votes suggests the bill’s political reception cannot be determined from the available context.
The main potential points of contention are the scale and cost of the proposal, the bill’s reliance on future appropriations, and the creation of a new state authority with broad development responsibilities. Critics could question the proposed $250 million initial funding target, the use of tax incentives and grants, and whether state resources should be directed to a specialized entertainment and media campus rather than other priorities. Supporters would likely emphasize economic growth, workforce development, and the potential to attract film, music, and digital media investment to Tennessee.