Bill > SB186

This bill creates a music incubator program that provides sales tax rebates to small music venues and festival promoters in Ohio. The program allows eligible music venues and festival promoters (defined as those with a venue capacity of up to 3,000 people or festivals in counties with less than 100,000 people) to apply for rebates equal to the lesser of their state sales tax on beer and wine or $100,000, up to a total annual program limit of $10 million. To qualify, venues or promoters must meet specific criteria, such as holding a vendor's license, having written contracts with performing artists, and demonstrating engagement in various music-related activities like marketing performances, providing live music, and supporting technical aspects of performances. Applicants must use the rebates to recruit performing artists and bring live musical performances to the state, and they must provide documentation of how the funds are used. The bill establishes a music incubator rebate fund, which will be initially funded by the first $10 million of state sales tax revenue each fiscal year starting in 2027. The goal is to support and incentivize small music venues and festivals, ultimately benefiting local communities and the state's music industry.

Budget and Finance

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/sb186