Maryland’s production grab attempt tumbles like a ‘House of Cards’

By Jeremy Bauer-Wolf | Maryland Reporter

House and Senate negotiators working out their differences in the $38.7 billion state budget reached agreement Thursday evening, eliminating provisions on stormwater fees and “House of Cards” property.

Conferees removed an amendment that would have authorized the state to seize the property of “House of Cards” by wielding eminent domain, should the show’s production team attempt to leave the state.

The proposal was a eleventh-hour stunt from Del. Bill Frick, D-Montgomery County, who said last week he wanted to send a message Frank Underwood-style to the producers, Media Rights Capital, who had been threatening to leave Maryland should state leadership not provide an increased tax credit.

Though the amendment was deleted, the conference committee finalized a plan to fund any future film tax credit increases, a likelihood considering the Senate passed legislation that upped the initial $7.5 million tax investment to $18.5 million.

The bill, SB 1051, is currently awaiting a vote in the House Ways and Means Committee.

at Maryland Reporter.