New GA Senate committee hopes to save film industry from AI

With the ubiquitous presence of artificial intelligence across all industries in Georgia and the debate about data centers in the state, Senate Democrats want a closer look at what the use of AI could mean for the state’s creative industries.

SR789, introduced in February and is now sitting before the Senate Science and Technology Committee, would create a new study committee to examine AI’s impact across the board.

SR 789 is Democratic-led, with 12 Senate sponsors that would create the “Senate Study Committee on the Impact of Artificial Intelligence.” It follows a previous Republican-led AI committee chaired by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) that concluded in December 2024.

What SR 789 would do?

The resolution would form a committee whose primary job is to research, take testimony, and issue recommendations about how AI is affecting Georgia’s creative industries. However, the committees do not pass laws directly.

Agenda items:

• Examine the effect on wages, training needs, and long-term competitiveness
• Hold hearings
• Gather testimony
• Issue recommendations for future legislation.

What will SR789 examine?

Lawmakers are expected to look at AI’s impact on specific roles in film and TV, including writers, actors, editors, animators and below‑the‑line crew.

The panel will explore whether the industry is keeping pace with AI adoption, or if new guardrails and incentives are needed.

Areas of examination:

• Current tax credits
• Workforce programs
• Union agreements are
• Transparency rules around AI use
• Training programs to upskill Georgia workers,
• Strategies to keep the state attractive to productions

Potential outcomes:

• Help regulate the industry without relying on studios to set the agenda
• Balance innovation with labor protections
• Help Georgia stay competitive with other production hubs
• Offer a roadmap that balances innovation with labor protections

Why does Georgia need SR789 now?

This isn’t a niche concern. Georgia’s creative industries contribute $23.8 billion to the state’s economy annually, about 4% of Georgia’s GDP, and support approximately 134,000 jobs statewide.

Generative tools are already being used, threatening the industry that has become so lucrative to the state’s financial solvency.

What’s at stake:

• Film and TV productions alone spent $2.6 billion in Georgia in fiscal year 2024, totaling $11 billion over three fiscal years
• Tourism driven largely by sports, live events and creative experiences generates an estimated $80 billion in annual economic impact
• Tyler Perry paused an $800 million studio expansion in 2024, citing AI concerns
• By 2024, Georgia was left with dozens of empty soundstages as major studios moved production overseas

The major incentive behind forming this committee is to determine whether Georgia can stay competitive in the creative industries or whether AI will undercut the workforce that helped build it.

Are you concerned about the effects of AI? How is it showing up in your experiences? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.

This story was originally published March 20, 2026 at 10:58 AM with the headline "New GA Senate committee hopes to save film industry from AI."