SCREEN Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 9938, the SCREEN Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to create a new "qualified movie theater revitalization credit." Theater owners or operators could claim a tax credit equal to 30 percent of qualifying expenditures on new, depreciable tangible property used in an existing movie theater, screening room, or drive-in that has been operating for at least five years. The credit would be capped per theater based on the number of screens: $250,000 for theaters with fewer than 4 screens, $375,000 for 4 to 9 screens, and $500,000 for 10 or more screens. The credit would count as part of the general business credit, could be transferred under existing tax code provisions, and would not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2030.
The bill primarily affects owners and operators of movie theaters and similar venues that exhibit publicly rated motion pictures, as well as businesses supplying equipment or renovation services to such theaters. It could reduce federal tax revenue by lowering the tax liability of qualifying theater investments, and it would apply to costs paid or incurred after the bill's enactment.
The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Claudia Tenney, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. As an introduced bill, it has not yet received committee action, and would need to pass the House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9938 do?
- H.R. 9938, the SCREEN Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to create a new "qualified movie theater revitalization credit." Theater owners or operators could claim a tax credit equal to 30 percent of qualifying expenditures on new, depreciable tangible property used in an existing movie theater, screening room, or drive-in that has been operating for at least five years. The credit would be capped per theater based on the number of screens: $250,000 for theaters with fewer than 4 screens, $375,000 for 4 to 9 screens, and $500,000 for 10 or more screens. The credit would count as part of the general business credit, could be transferred under existing tax code provisions, and would not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2030. The bill primarily affects owners and operators of movie theaters and similar venues that exhibit publicly rated motion pictures, as well as businesses supplying equipment or renovation services to such theaters. It could reduce federal tax revenue by lowering the tax liability of qualifying theater investments, and it would apply to costs paid or incurred after the bill's enactment. The bill was introduced on July 23, 2026, by Rep. Claudia Tenney, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. As an introduced bill, it has not yet received committee action, and would need to pass the House, the Senate, and be signed by the President before becoming law.
- Has H.R. 9938 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, H.R. 9938 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9938?
- H.R. 9938 was sponsored by Rep. Claudia Tenney [R-NY24] (Republican-NY), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9938?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Taxation
EFIN Verification Act of 2026
Digital Asset Tax Certainty Act
Protecting Taxpayers from Ghost Preparers Act
Tax Relief for Fraud Victims Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.