Excludes a production using artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles in a manner which results in the displacement of employees from the definition of qualified film

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie and 4 co-sponsors

Excludes productions that use AI or autonomous vehicles in ways that displace workers from qualifying for NYS film tax credits.

REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS

Overview

S 6751, introduced March 21, 2025, would modify the definition of “qualified film” within the state’s film production incentive framework. The bill seeks to exclude productions that use artificial intelligence (AI) or autonomous vehicles in a manner that results in employee displacement from qualifying for the incentive. The bill is currently in the committee stage, having been referred to the Senate Investigations and Government Operations committee.

Purpose and intent

Align film tax incentives with labor protections by preventing qualification for incentives for productions that substitute AI or autonomous-vehicle usage in ways that reduce or eliminate jobs.

Promote human employment in film and related production activities while encouraging responsible use of new technologies.

Key provisions (as suggested by the title)

Amends the definition of “qualified film” to remove from eligibility any production that uses AI or autonomous vehicles in a manner that displaces employees.

The disqualification applies specifically to aspects of production where such technology leads to job displacement, reducing the pool of eligible projects for the state’s film incentive program.

The bill’s text likely would require the production to avoid or offset displacement to qualify, though exact compliance mechanisms (certifications, disclosures, or reporting) are not specified in the available information.

Who is affected

Primary affected: Film, television, and digital media productions seeking the state’s film tax credits.

Industry stakeholders: Producers, studios, post-production facilities, crew members, and labor unions that represent workers in film and television.

Broader impact: Potential influence on how productions plan staffing, automation, AI usage, and autonomous-vehicle elements to maintain eligibility for incentives.

Procedural and timeline details

Status: Referred to Investigations and Government Operations (Senate committee).

Introduced: March 21, 2025.

Legislative actions: The bill carries a duplicate committee referral entry on the same date in the record.

Related legislation: S 7422 (prior-session); Assembly companion A 6180 (two listings, indicating a companion in the Assembly).

Observations and note on details

The available information does not include the exact statutory language, definitions of “artificial intelligence,” “autonomous vehicles,” or “displacement of employees,” nor any effective date or enforcement provisions.

If enacted, the bill would add a new criterion for eligibility, potentially affecting project budgeting, staffing plans, and technology choices for productions seeking the state’s film incentive.

For those tracking NYS film incentives, S 6751 would represent a notable shift toward labor-protective criteria governing eligibility. Further committee hearings and the final bill language would clarify definitions, thresholds, and any implementation timelines.

Bill