Texas 2023 - 88th Regular

Texas House Bill HB4419

Filed
3/9/23  
Out of House Committee
5/4/23  
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

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.

Impact

The bill modifies the existing major events reimbursement program to include film and television productions and outlines criteria for locations to be designated as media production development zones. By offering tax rebates and funding for the development of film production resources, the bill is expected to stimulate local economies and foster job growth, particularly in regions that may serve as filming locations. Industry stakeholders emphasize that these measures are crucial to retain and attract media projects that have increasingly been drawn to other states with more attractive incentive structures.

Summary

House Bill 4419 aims to promote the film and television production industry in Texas by implementing various financial incentives and funding mechanisms to attract productions to the state. This includes creating a film events trust fund and a film production tax rebate trust fund, along with establishing virtual film production institutes at Texas A&M University and Texas State University. The goal of the bill is to enhance the state's competitiveness in the media production sector while creating economic opportunities and jobs for Texans.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding HB 4419 appears to be positive among stakeholders in the media and production sectors, who argue that the bill will significantly impact job creation and economic development. However, there may also be some concerns regarding the allocation of state resources and the effectiveness of the proposed measures. The emphasis on workforce development through educational institutions indicates a holistic approach to supporting the burgeoning industry in Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise from discussions on how the film events trust fund will be managed and the fiscal responsibility of committing state resources to support the film and television industry. Critics may question how effectively the initiatives outlined in HB 4419 will translate into real economic benefits, especially in areas with limited existing infrastructure for media production. Nevertheless, the bill has garnered substantial support due to its focus on revitalizing the state's film and television sector.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 485. Music, Film, Television, And Multimedia Industries
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 001
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 480. Events Trust Fund
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 0052
  • Chapter 482. Texas Aerospace And Technology Support
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 475. General Provisions
    • Section: 0001
  • Chapter 478. Major Events Reimbursement Program
    • Section: 0001
    • Section: 0001

Tax Code

  • Chapter 151. Limited Sales, Excise, And Use Tax
    • Section: 3415

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

TX HB1452

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 HB2212

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 HB4174

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the event reimbursement programs, including the Pan American Games trust fund, Olympic Games trust fund, Major Events reimbursement program fund, Motor Sports Racing trust fund, and Events trust fund; including conforming amendments.

TX HB3613

Relating to a Pan American Games trust fund, an Olympic Games trust fund, a Major Events trust fund, a Motor Sports Racing trust fund, and an Events trust fund for sporting and non-sporting events, and to the abolishment of the special event trust fund.

TX SB633

Relating to certain event trust funds and the abolishment of the special event trust fund.

TX HB26

Relating to state economic development measures, including administration of the Texas Enterprise Fund, creation of the Economic Incentive Oversight Board and the governor's university research initiative, abolishment of the Texas emerging technology fund, and renaming the Major Events trust fund to the Major Events Reimbursement Program.

TX SB1678

Relating to the events and expenses eligible for, reporting requirements concerning disbursements from, and a study by the comptroller of the Major Events trust fund and the Events trust fund.

TX SB1727

Relating to the use of the Texas emissions reduction plan fund.