KENTUCKY — On this week's "In Focus Kentucky" program, we’re discussing Senate Bill 1, which was a priority bill for lawmakers in the Republican-controlled General Assembly during the 2025 legislative session.

The bill was passed and signed into law March 26, 2025. It primarily focuses on establishing the Kentucky Film Office within the Cabinet for Economic Development.

Sen. Phillip Wheeler, R-Pikeville, is the sponsor of SB1. The legislation calls for the new office to serve as the central hub for industry coordination, marketing and workforce development.

"It sailed out of the Senate, with both votes unanimously in the House," Wheeler said. "I think the final number was like 90 to seven or eight against, so it was a bill with widespread support."

"I think the reason for that is this is really a bill for all of Kentucky. I represent the district that's furthest east of the state, a very rural district; what's traditionally been called 'coal country.' Perhaps our most famous or infamous historical story is that of the Hatfield and McCoy feud, and something that I brought up several times is that they did a great mini series about that on the History Channel about 10 or 12 years ago, starring Kevin Costner and the late Bill Paxton. What I found out later is just about all of that series was filmed in Romania. No offense to the Romanians; I mean, I've met many of them, great people. But that's American history, and more importantly, that's Kentucky history and even eastern Kentucky history."

"There are multiple sites still here in Pike County that are historically connected, that are available for the public to view. I'm thinking, why should a film like that be made in Romania and not right here in Kentucky?"

SB1 creates the Kentucky Film Office, which will:

  • Administer and oversee the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive Program and ensure transparency and efficiency
  • Market the state as a premier filming destination to attract major productions
  • Serve as a resource and first point of contact for filmmakers and industry professionals

  • Coordinate with local film offices, tourism commissions and industry partners to support productions and facilitate industry growth
  • Develop workforce training initiatives in collaboration with Kentucky’s higher education institutions

The now-state law also calls for the Kentucky Film Office to be led by an executive director, selected through a national search and overseen by the Kentucky Film Leadership Council and a seven-member board.

The office will be funded through a sustainable revenue model, including:

  • A base allocation of $500,000 per year

  • One-hundred percent of all revenue from film incentive application and administrative fees

  • Two percent of gross receipts from Kentucky’s 1% transient room tax

You can watch the full In Focus Kentucky segment in the player above