2025 SESSION

HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

24106242D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1495

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the House Committee on Appropriations

on February 2, 2024)

(Patron Prior to Substitute—Delegate Cousins)

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 2.2-2049.1, relating to apprenticeship program; film and television industry.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 2.2-2049.1 as follows:

§ 2.2-2049.1. Apprenticeship program for film and television industry.

A. In addition to all other requirements of this Chapter, the Director shall establish a program (the Program) to promote apprenticeships in the film and television industry.

B. The Director may provide financial incentives to an employer that hires and retains an apprentice in the film and television industry for at least 6 months.

C. The Director shall, in consultation with the Virginia Film Office, establish guidelines and criteria for the Program. Such guidelines and criteria shall be exempt from the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) The guidelines and criteria shall:

1. Give preference to television or film production companies that hire Virginia apprentices for their projects;

2. Make reasonable efforts to ensure that participating employers and apprentices reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and geographic diversity of the Commonwealth; and

3. Provide that financial incentives provided pursuant to subsection B shall not exceed $2,000 per apprentice hired.