(a) The Department of Economic and Community Development, through its Office of Film, Television and Digital Media, shall serve as a state-wide point of contact for all producers of film, television and digital media productions requesting permission to (1) conduct film production activities on state-owned property, including, but not limited to, all state roads and highways, railroads and train stations, state forests and parks, airports and seaports, hospitals and all campuses of the public institutions of higher education in the state; and (2) use any other state-owned real or personal property, except courthouses and judicial branch facilities, for such purposes.

(b) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development may issue a state film permit, on a form designated by the commissioner, to any person seeking to conduct film production activities on such state-owned property. Such permit shall specify the insurance coverage that the permittee shall be required to obtain, as determined by the commissioner in consultation with the state's Director of Insurance and Risk Management, with the state named as an additional insured. No liability shall accrue to the state or any agency or employee of the state for any injuries or damages to any person or property that may result, either directly or indirectly, from such film production activities of the permittee on such state-owned property.

(c) A state film permit shall identify the person requesting permission to conduct film production activities on state property and indicate that the permittee has provided documentation to the Department of Economic and Community Development substantiating the permittee's ability to conduct indemnified film production activities. Any permittee seeking permission to conduct film production activities on property controlled by a state agency, authority or institution shall present such permit to such agency, authority or institution when the permittee requests such permission. Following the presentment of such permit by a permittee, such state agency, authority or institution may authorize film production activities by the permittee on such property.

(d) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, pursuant to section 32-1p, shall establish guidelines to be used in working with state agencies, authorities or institutions to implement the provisions of this section. Such guidelines shall include, but not be limited to: (1) An agency contact at the Office of Film, Television and Digital Media for filing permit applications and for obtaining information on permit requirements; (2) identification of each individual within each respective state agency who shall be a point of contact for an agency permit application; (3) a mandatory preapplication review process to reduce permitting issues or conflicts by providing guidance to applicants on (A) information required for authorization or permit approval from the relevant state agencies, authorities or institutions, (B) specifications for desired on-site production and production-related activities, site suitability and limitations, and (C) steps the applicant can take to ensure expeditious permit application; (4) a single, coordinated production activity description form, including an equipment checklist and personnel roster; (5) a process by which the Office of Film, Television and Digital Media may forward permit applications to other relevant state agencies, authorities or institutions on behalf of an applicant; and (6) at the commissioner's discretion, a permit fee structure.

(e) The Office of Film, Television and Digital Media, at the request of the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, may request the assistance of any other agency, authority or institution of the state to assist in providing information and assistance as may be necessary to expedite such office's duties and responsibilities under this section. Each officer or employee of such other agency, authority or institution of the state shall make reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Office of Film, Television and Digital Media.

(P.A. 16-200, S. 1.)