SC Gov. Haley signs film incentives bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Gov. Nikki Haley has signed a bill that supporters say could expand the film industry in South Carolina.

The new law would allow film companies to be reimbursed up to 25 percent for payroll taxes on in-state wages and up to 30 percent for what they spend at local businesses. Productions would qualify for the breaks by spending at least $1 million in the state.

Similar breaks had been approved yearly as part of the budget, but the new law makes the incentives permanent.

Haley says she signed the bill reluctantly. She says she would prefer film incentives compete with other breaks each year and the money be specifically set aside for each program.

Supporters of the bill say the incentives help keep South Carolina competitive with other states.