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A proposal to expand New Mexico’s film rebate program for certain television shows is on its way to the Senate, after members of the House approved it by 64-0 vote this afternoon.
If enacted, House Bill 379 — which has been dubbed the “Breaking Bad bill” — would allow long-running New Mexico-based TV shows to pocket larger tax incentives from the state.
In addition, it would tweak the annual limits on film rebates so that money unspent under the state’s $50 million yearly cap could be used in future budget years, while also enacting new restrictions on giving rebates to non-residents.
Albuquerque actor Steven Michael Quezada, who stars in the New Mexico-based show “Breaking Bad,” sat on the House floor during the debate as a guest of the bill’s sponsor, House Democratic Whip Antonio “Moe” Maestas.
Quezada, who was also recently elected as a school board member for the Albuquerque Public Schools, told the Journal the measure would make the state a more attractive site for new TV series.
Check tomorrow’s Journal for more information.
-- Email the reporter at dboyd@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-992-6281
