Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1538125
AB 1138 SIGNED INTO LAW, MARKING MAJOR VICTORY FOR CALIFORNIA'S ENTERTAIN- MENT WORKERS By Guild Staff T he Entertainment Union Coalition is celebrating a landmark win for California's entertainment work- force with the passage of AB 1138, a bill t h a t m o d e r n i ze s a n d s t re n g t h e n s t h e s ta te's F i l m a n d Te l ev i s i o n Ta x C re d- it Program. Signed into law on July 3 by Governor Gavin Newsom at a press con- ference in Burbank, AB1138 — alongside the already-enacted budget expansion — represents the culmination of months of tireless advocacy by union members and allies across the industry. The tax credit program, together with the expansion and modernization of the film and television jobs program, deliver the two critical pillars long championed by the Entertainment Union Coalition since the beginning of the year. With both com- ponents now in place, California is poised to retain and create thousands of union jobs and support a thriving film and television industry across the state. " T h i s i s a p r o u d m o m e n t f o r o u r members, and a testament to what we can achieve through solidarity and collective action," said leaders of the Coalition. "To truly revitalize our industry and maximize job creation, both funding and moderniza- tion had to move together—and thanks to our members and partners, that goal has been realized." K e y e n h a n c e m e n t s u n d e r A B 1 1 3 8 include: A base credit rate increase to 35% for all participants, including independent productions. Eligibility expansion to include half- hour series, animation, and large-scale competition series. A r a i s e d p e r - p r o d u c t i o n c a p t o $120 million. Enhanced regional incentives, with credits up to 45% for certain expenditures outside Los Angeles. Tripled funding for independent films, from $26 million to $75 million. Expanded access to career pathways, e n a b l i n g m o r e n o n p r o f i t o r g a n i z a - t i o n s s t a t e w i d e t o p a r t n e r w i t h t h e program and open doors to a broader range of Californians. The Coalition extended its deepest g r a t i t u d e t o A s s e m b l y m e m b e r R i c k Zbur and State Senator Ben Allen, whose leadership was instrumental in driving the bill forward. From the outset, both legislators prioritized jobs and workforce investment, ensuring that the program centered on working families and long-term career opportunities. The passage of AB 1138 follows the recent signing of the state budget, which expands the tax credit program from $330 million to $750 million annually, effective July 1. The increased funding and policy reforms will remain in place through 2031. The victory also highlights the broad support from within state government, including Governor Newsom, Senate Presi- dent pro Tempore Mike McGuire, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, and Budget Chairs Jesse Gabriel and Scott Wiener, all of whom championed the cause even in the face of a difficult budget year. Their recognition of the entertainment industry's cultural and economic impor- tance — especially its middle-class jobs with fair wages, health care, and retire- ment benefits — played a critical role in this achievement. Ultimately, it was the power of union s o l i d a r i t y a n d m e m b e r a d vo ca c y t h a t moved the needle. Through coordinated efforts, personal storytelling, and public action — including the "Keep California Rolling" campaign—entertainment work- ers reminded lawmakers what's truly at stake: families, small businesses, and the economic vitality of the state. Now, with the foundation secured, the Entertainment Union Coalition calls on studios and content producers to recommit to California and get union crews back to work — right here at home. ■ Union solidarity and member advocacy moved the needle. POLITICAL SCIENCE: Members of the EUC, including those from Local 700, posed with Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, kneeling in the blue blazer. 12 C I N E M O N T A G E A R O U N D T H E G U I L D