HB1290 • 2026

Economic and Community Development

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3 and Title 64, relative to the establishment of an arts, entertainment, and media megasite.

Education Taxes

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Powell, Akbari
Last action: 2025-03-19
Official status: Failed in s/c Business and Utilities Subcommittee of Commerce Committee
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill did not pass, so its full impact is uncertain.

Hollyssee Act

This bill establishes a law called the Hollyssee Act to create a megasite for arts, entertainment, and media in Tennessee.

What This Bill Does

Creates the Hollyssee Act to establish a world-class megasite for arts, entertainment, and media.
Requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to develop the premises of the megasite by identifying a suitable location and creating a master plan.
Directs the department to establish facilities like soundstages, music venues, art galleries, and virtual reality experiences at the megasite.
Establishes training programs for arts-related skills in partnership with local schools.
Provides tax incentives and grants for businesses and productions within the megasite.
Sets up a governing authority called the Tennessee Arts, Entertainment, and Media Megasite Authority to oversee the development of the site.

Who It Names or Affects

The Department of Economic and Community Development
Local educational institutions
Businesses involved in arts, entertainment, and media

Terms To Know

megasite: A large-scale development project for a specific industry.
Uniform Administrative Procedures Act: A set of rules that govern how government agencies make and enforce regulations.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass in the current session.
The fiscal impact beyond FY25-26 is uncertain, with potential impacts on both state and local governments.
The extent of direct and indirect fiscal impacts cannot be determined accurately.

Bill History

2025-03-19 Tennessee General Assembly
Failed in s/c Business and Utilities Subcommittee of Commerce Committee
2025-03-19 Tennessee General Assembly
Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Government Operations Committee
2025-03-12 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on s/c cal Business & Utilities Subcommittee for 3/19/2025
2025-02-12 Tennessee General Assembly
Assigned to s/c Business & Utilities Subcommittee
2025-02-12 Tennessee General Assembly
P2C, ref. to Commerce Committee- Government Operations for Review
2025-02-12 Tennessee General Assembly
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Government Operations Committee
2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly
Intro., P1C.
2025-02-10 Tennessee General Assembly
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
2025-02-06 Tennessee General Assembly
Filed for introduction
2025-02-06 Tennessee General Assembly
Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

This bill enacts the "Hollyssee Act," the purpose of which is to establish a world-class megasite for arts, entertainment, and media in this state, fostering
economic growth, creativity, and innovation. The department of economic and community development is responsible for the creation of a world-class megasite for arts, entertainment, and media in this state. In order to support the creation of the megasit
e
, the department must (i) develop the premises of the megasite, (ii) establish arts, entertainment, and media facilities at the megasite, (iii) establish training and workforce development program, (iv) foster economic development and incentives, (v) esta
b
lish appropriate governance and management for the megasite, and (vi) support the funding and implementation of steps necessary to create the megasite. This bill provides that it is the legislative intent that the general assembly appropriate $250,000,000
in fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund the initial development phase of the megasite. The department must promulgate rules to effectuate this bill.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

SENATE BILL 1179
By Akbari

HOUSE BILL 1290
By Powell

HB1290
002013
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4,
Chapter 3 and Title 64, relative to the
establishment of an arts, entertainment, and
media megasite.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 7, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
(a) This section is known and may be cited as the "Hollyssee Act."
(b) The purpose of this act is to establish a world-class megasite for arts,
entertainment, and media in this state, fostering economic growth, creativity, and
innovation.
(c) The department of economic and community development is responsible for
the creation of a world-class megasite for arts, entertainment, and media in this state. In
order to support the creation of the megasite, the department shall:
(1) Develop the premises of the megasite by:
(A) Identifying and acquiring a suitable location for selection of
the megasite, after considering factors like accessibility, infrastructure,
and natural resources;
(B) Generating a comprehensive master plan for the megasite,
incorporating input from industry experts, local communities, and state
agencies; and

- 2 - 002013

(C) Investing in and conducting any necessary infrastructure
development, including roads, utilities, and public transportation, to
support the megasite's development;
(2) Establish arts, entertainment, and media facilities at the megasite by
coordinating the:
(A) Construction of state-of-the-art soundstages and film
production facilities, which must cater to the needs of film, television, and
commercial productions;
(B) Development of a range of music and performance venues,
including concert halls, theaters, and outdoor amphitheaters;
(C) Establishment of a collection of art galleries and museums,
which can be utilized to showcase local, national, and international art;
and
(D) Creation of dedicated facilities for virtual and augmented
reality experiences, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship;
(3) Establish training and workforce development programs that:
(A) Focus on arts, entertainment, and media-related skills by
partnering with local educational institutions; and
(B) Provide career opportunities, including internships,
apprenticeships, and job placement by fostering partnerships between the
megasite and industry leaders;
(4) Foster economic development and incentives by:
(A) Offering competitive tax incentives for businesses and
productions that are located within the megasite;

- 3 - 002013

(B) Providing grants and funding opportunities for arts,
entertainment, and media projects, and for infrastructure development
and workforce training; and
(C) Encouraging public-private partnerships, to support the
development and operation of the megasite;
(5) Establish appropriate governance and management for the megasite
by:
(A) Creating the Tennessee Arts, Entertainment, and Media
Megasite Authority, a governing authority to oversee the development,
operation, and management of the megasite; and
(B) Appointing a board of directors composed of industry experts,
local representatives, and state officials to guide the authority's decision
making; and
(6) Support the funding and implementation of steps necessary to create
the megasite by:
(A) Identifying ongoing funding sources for the megasite,
including public-private partnerships, grants, and tax incentives; and
(B) Establishing a timeline for the development of the megasite,
with milestones and benchmarks designating progress towards the
completion of the megasite.
(d) It is the legislative intent that the general assembly appropriate two hundred
fifty million dollars ($250,000,000) in fiscal year 2025-2026 to fund the initial
development phase of the megasite as described in subdivisions (c)(1)–(6).

- 4 - 002013

(e) The department of economic and community development shall promulgate
rules in accordance with the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, compiled in title 4,
chapter 5, to effectuate this section.
SECTION 2. For purposes of promulgating rules, this act takes effect upon becoming a
law, the public welfare requiring it. For all other purposes, this act takes effect July 1, 2025, the
public welfare requiring it.