Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1452

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
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 establishes incentives aimed at attracting filmmakers to Texas, thereby fostering economic growth in the state. It also introduces educational opportunities through the creation of virtual film production institutes at Texas A&M University and Texas State University, which will provide training for students interested in careers within the film industry. This initiative is expected to cultivate a skilled workforce, further solidifying Texas's position as a competitor in the entertainment sector, particularly in the context of virtual film production.

Summary

HB1452 aims to enhance film and television production within Texas through various provisions designed to create funding opportunities and educational institutes. Notably, the bill introduces the establishment of a 'film events trust fund' that will provide financial support to film and television productions selected for funding under the major events reimbursement program. This trust fund will pool local municipal and county tax revenues that directly result from film events, creating a sustainable source of funding for filmmakers and production companies operating within the state.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB1452 will significantly benefit the state's economy, there is some concern regarding the nature of the tax incentives and the potential for misuse of the trust fund. Some legislators have raised questions about the oversight of the disbursements from the film events trust fund and the criteria under which funding will be allocated. Furthermore, critics emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in how public funds are utilized in support of private film production endeavors.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 485. Music, Film, Television, And Multimedia Industries
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 478. Major Events Reimbursement Program
    • Section: 0051
  • Chapter 480. Events Trust Fund
    • Section: New Section

Companion Bills

TX HB2212

Duplicate 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.

Similar Bills

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 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.