Bill Overview
Title: To amend title 40, United States Code, to permit commercial filmmaking and photography on the United States Capitol grounds, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill authorizes the U.S. Capitol Police to issue permits allowing certain commercial filmmaking and photography activities on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.
Sponsors: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: People involved with or affected by commercial filmmaking and photography on Capitol grounds
Estimated Size: 2500000
- The U.S. Capitol grounds are a physically limited area, but visited by significant numbers due to its national importance.
- The tourism industry could see changes due to alterations in how the U.S. Capitol grounds can be used commercially.
- The bill allows for regulated commercial activity, suggesting targeted industries like filmmaking and photography will be the primary beneficiaries.
- Other people involved in the production of films and photos, including producers, directors, and crew members, will also be impacted.
- Historical precedent and comparison to similar pieces of legislation could refine population estimates.
- There is potential impact on staff of the U.S. Capitol, including personnel responsible for granting and overseeing these permits.
- Visitors and tourists may be indirectly impacted due to changes in accessibility or use of the Capitol grounds during filming.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects people involved in commercial production activities and those who visit the U.S. Capitol.
- There are indirect effects on tourism that need to be considered, as altered access to the Capitol grounds could influence tourist experiences.
- Budget limits the policy's reach in terms of how many can be directly impacted in a significant way.
- The range of impact is likely to vary from direct benefits to filmmakers to minor inconveniences for tourists.
- People unrelated to these industries or not visiting the Capitol will remain unaffected.
- Given the unique role of the U.S. Capitol in the U.S., there might be national-level interest, but practical impact is limited to those in its immediate operational sphere.
Simulated Interviews
Film Producer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could open up valuable shooting opportunities for my projects.
- Increased access to such an iconic site would be a competitive edge.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Capitol Police Officer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional commercial activities may increase my workload.
- This policy requires precise coordination to ensure security isn't compromised.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Tourist (New York, NY)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm concerned about my access being limited during filming.
- It might be distracting to have film crews around when visiting such a landmark.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Local Business Owner (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased commercial activities might boost local economy.
- Potential for increased foot traffic due to film activities could help business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Freelance Photographer (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This opens new opportunities for unique shoots.
- I see potential in offering the Capitol as part of travel features.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Film Student (Austin, TX)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Filming at the Capitol would provide invaluable experience and footage.
- Looking forward to potential field projects involving major landmarks.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Historian (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While filmmaking enhances visibility, it could commercialize what is a historic site.
- Changes should preserve the integrity of the Capitol's historical significance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Tourism Consultant (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Filmmaking could freshen the appeal of Capitol tours.
- Balancing access for tourists and film crews will be key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Software Engineer (Houston, TX)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't think this policy would affect me much.
- If anything, it might make future visits more interesting if a film is being shot.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Event Planner (Seattle, WA)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional filmmaking might limit available spaces for other events.
- It might be a logistical challenge to coordinate activities in shared spaces.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $1800000 (Low: $1300000, High: $2300000)
Year 3: $1600000 (Low: $1200000, High: $2000000)
Year 5: $1300000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1600000)
Year 10: $800000 (Low: $500000, High: $1000000)
Year 100: $50000 (Low: $20000, High: $100000)
Key Considerations
- The impact on tourism must be carefully considered as restricted access during filming can lead to decreased visitor satisfaction.
- Management of permit fees and ensuring they cover the costs can mitigate financial risks.
- Security measures need to be effective to prevent film activity from interfering with legislative operations.