Bill
H 3187
Massachusetts bill requires films shot in the state to carry a 'Proudly Made in Massachusetts' credit and logo, approved by the Film Office and commissioner.
Note on source text
- The materials supplied appear to combine two unrelated measures: (A) a Massachusetts bill titled “An Act recognizing film production in Massachusetts” (sponsored by Rep. Paul McMurtry, House Docket No. 2548 / House No. 3187) and (B) language from a South Carolina bill that would regulate the display of barber poles. Below are separate, concise summaries of each measure and the procedural notes included in the submission. Please verify the official bill text in the legislature’s database if you need to act on or cite the bill.
Purpose and intent
- Require motion pictures filmed in Massachusetts to carry a standardized credit and logo identifying the production as filmed in the Commonwealth, with the credit reading: “Proudly Made in Massachusetts.”
Key provisions
- Amends Massachusetts General Laws:
- Chapter 62, §6(l) — adds paragraph (9).
- Chapter 63, §38X — adds subsection (h).
- Each provision requires that a “motion picture” include:
- A credit with the exact title “Proudly Made in Massachusetts”.
- A logo designed and approved by the Massachusetts Film Office and approved by “the commissioner” (presumably the Commissioner referenced in the cited sections) in consultation with the Massachusetts Film Office.
Who is affected
- Film and motion‑picture producers/distributors that film in Massachusetts and release motion pictures (presumably theatrical, streaming, or other distribution; the bill text uses the term “motion picture” but does not further define scope).
- The Massachusetts Film Office and the named “commissioner” (responsible for approving logo and credit specifications).
Implementation, enforcement, and impact
- The bill mandates the credit and logo but does not specify penalties, enforcement mechanisms, or definitions (e.g., what qualifies as a motion picture, timing/location/duration of the credit). Those implementation details would likely be determined by the approving authorities or by later regulation or amendment.
- Potential impacts include modest compliance costs for producers and a marketing/branding benefit for the Commonwealth aimed at promoting local film production.
Procedural notes (as provided)
- Filed/Presented by Rep. Paul McMurtry, House Docket No. 2548 / House No. 3187.
- Referred to the committee on Revenue on 2025-02-27.
- Hearing scheduling notes appear with dates (e.g., hearings listed for 10/03/2025 in Gardner Auditorium). Confirm hearing assignment and dates with the official legislative calendar.
Purpose and intent
- To prohibit the display or use of a barber pole to advertise barbering services unless the person displaying it is licensed under the barbering chapter of state law.
Key provisions
- Adds Section 40‑7‑40 to S.C. Code: prohibits use/display of a barber pole for advertising barbering unless licensed.
- Amends Section 40‑7‑20 to add a definition:
- “Barber pole” means a cylinder or pole with alternating diagonal stripes (e.g., red & white, or red, white & blue).
- Effective upon approval by the Governor.
Who is affected
- Barbers, barber shops, and other persons or businesses that use barber‑pole signage.
- State barber licensing authorities (responsible for enforcement).
Impact and notes
- Would require unlicensed persons/establishments to cease using barber‑pole signage or obtain licensure.
- Enforcement and penalties are not stated in the excerpts; would depend on implementing provisions in the barbering code.
If you want, I can:
- Look up the official bill record(s) in the Massachusetts Legislature and/or South Carolina General Assembly to reconcile the discrepancies and retrieve the definitive text and current status.
- Draft a short memo on likely compliance issues, enforcement mechanisms typically used for similar branding/signage mandates, or recommended amendments to clarify enforcement and scope.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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