Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 598: Film industry community zones; local designation.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 598 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Film industry community zones; local designation. Primary sponsor: Shelly Simonds (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Counties, Cities and Towns.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Local film industry community zones. Allows localities to establish, by ordinance, one or more zones in a film industry community, defined in the bill as a zone designated by a locality to promote a significant film industry presence and where such presence drives, or has the potential to drive, significant economic activity. The bill provides that a locality, or another political subdivision acting on behalf of the locality, may offer unique benefits to film industry businesses, along with related businesses that serve the needs of the film industry, looking to locate within a film industry community zone, including the reduction of certain fees and taxes. In addition, the bill provides that local governing bodies are authorized to enter into agreements for the payment of economic development incentive grants to such businesses. The bill also allows a governing body to provide for certain regulatory flexibility and incentives and provides that the establishment of a film industry community zone does not preclude a filmmaker from participating in the Governor's Motion Picture Opportunity Fund and the motion picture production tax credit.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly Simonds | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Counties, Cities and Towns
- Subcommittee recommends striking from the docket (8-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #2
- Fiscal Impact statement From TAX (1/20/2026 11:48 am)
- Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103722D