CA AB1734

Establishes new motion picture tax credits for taxable years beginning January 1, 2020, allocated by the California Film Commission from July 1, 2020 through July 1, 2025, providing 20-25% credits on qualified expenditures up to $100 million with additional credits for visual effects and out-of-zone filming.

Allocates $330 million annually in aggregate credit amounts, plus carryover unused credits from prior years, distributed across categories: independent films (8%), features (35%), relocating television series (17%), and new television series/pilots/miniseries (40%).

Requires applicants to submit written anti-harassment policies, diversity workforce information, and documentation of Career Readiness program participation; establishes jobs ratio calculations to rank applicants for credit allocation.

Allows qualified taxpayers to elect to apply credits against state sales and use taxes instead of income taxes, with optional refunds or five-year offsets of remaining credit amounts.

Permits qualified taxpayers to sell tax credits for independent films to unrelated parties; excess credits may be carried over up to nine taxable years if they exceed tax liability.