Huntsville Music Officer joins Gov. Ivey at signing of landmark entertainment industry bill

Published on August 4, 2025

Huntsville Music Officer Matt Mandrella joined Gov. Kay Ivey, Alabama Film Officer Meghann Bridgeman and legislative leaders in Montgomery on Thursday, July 31, for the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 177, a landmark update to Alabama’s Entertainment Industry Incentive Act of 2009.

The new law, which takes effect October 1, 2025, expands Alabama’s support of creative industries by officially including music albums as qualified productions under the state’s entertainment rebate program.

The legislation also rebrands the Alabama Film Office as the Alabama Entertainment Office and increases the overall annual cap for entertainment production incentives to $22 million, setting aside $2 million specifically for music albums.

Mayor Tommy Battle praised the bill as a big win for Huntsville and Alabama’s growing music economy.

“This legislation sends a strong message that Alabama is serious about supporting the music industry,” Mayor Battle said. “From studios to songwriters, we have created an environment where talent can thrive. I appreciate the work of our state leaders and the influence of the City’s Music Officer in this milestone achievement.”

Mandrella, who leads the City’s efforts to support and grow Huntsville’s music ecosystem, said the inclusion of dedicated incentives for music is a game-changer.

“Music creators in Alabama now have access to the same types of production incentives that have long benefitted the film and television industries,” Mandrella said. “It’s a giant step forward in empowering our state’s artists, producers, and record labels.”

To learn more about Huntsville’s music initiatives, visit HuntsvilleMusic.com.