Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3346

Caption

Relating to the music, film, television, and multimedia production industry.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on Texas's creative industries by establishing clearer pathways for funding and ensuring that a larger percentage of production crews, actors, and extras come from Texas. It mandates that at least 70% of individuals involved in a project must be Texas residents and stipulates that a substantial amount of production activities occurs within the state. This could encourage more local hiring and foster job growth in the creative sector, reinforcing the state's commitment to becoming a hub for media production.

Summary

House Bill 3346 aims to enhance the support and regulatory framework for the music, film, television, and multimedia production industries in Texas. It introduces amendments to the Government Code to clarify the qualifications for production companies seeking state grants, emphasizing local investment and participation in the state's creative economy. The bill also includes provisions for audits of the music, film, television, and multimedia fund to ensure that disbursements align with statutory requirements and that grant recipients are compliant with the terms of their agreements.

Contention

Notably, there are concerns regarding the feasibility of the stringent residency requirements and in-state spending thresholds outlined in the bill. Some stakeholders suggest that this might deter out-of-state production companies from applying for grants or seeking to film in Texas. Debates around the bill have also touched upon the balance between supporting local talent and ensuring that the state remains competitive in attracting diverse production projects that could have significant economic benefits. Additionally, there are discussions on the effectiveness of auditing the fund's disbursements to ensure taxpayer money is used efficiently.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3600

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Multimedia Production Program; providing tax credits; authorizing fees.

TX SB1613

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Multimedia Production Program; providing tax credits; authorizing fees.

TX HB4665

Relating to incentives for the film, television, video, and digital interactive media production industries.

TX HB4419

Relating to the promotion of film and television production in this state, including the eligibility of film or television productions for funding under the major events reimbursement program, the creation of a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, the establishment of virtual film production institutes, and the designation of media production development zones.

TX SB1460

Relating to incentives for the moving image industry in this state.

TX HB4474

Relating to qualifications for participation in the moving image industry incentive program.

TX HB4539

Relating to qualifications for participation in the moving image industry incentive program.

TX HB1471

Relating to eligibility requirements of the moving image industry incentive program for certain moving image projects involving a firearm.

TX HB3472

Relating to the establishment of the Texas Media Production Enticement Program; providing tax credits; authorizing fees.

TX SB1459

Relating to benefits and incentives for media production in this state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.