By: Garcia of Bexar H.B. No. 5641
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to a grant program for nonprofit children's theatres to
increase the accessibility of their facilities.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 444, Government Code, is amended by
adding Section 444.033 to read as follows:
Sec. 444.033. CHILDREN'S THEATER ACCESSIBILITY ADVANCEMENT
GRANT PROGRAM: (a) In this section:
(1) "Children's theatre" means a theatre that is
primarily attended by or targeted towards
children;
(2) "Accommodations" means reasonable modifications
or renovations to a theater to facilitate access
for individuals with disabilities.
(3) "Nonprofit corporation" has the meaning defined in
Section 22.001, Business and Organizations Code.
(b) The commission shall establish and administer the
Children's Theatre Accessibility Advancement Grant Program to
assist children's theaters with projects that increase the physical
accessibility of their facilities. To be eligible to receive a
grant under this section, an applicant must:
(1) be a nonprofit corporation;
(2) apply in a manner prescribed by commission rule;
(3) be in good standing under the laws of this state;
and
(4) demonstrate a legitimate need for grant funding.
(c) A grant under this section may be used only for expenses
that address the ability of theater facilities to accommodate
individuals with disabilities;
(d) The grant program shall prioritize applicants that:
(1) demonstrate a record of partnership with a school
district or open enrolment charter school to provide
performances and education opportunities to children
free of charge;
(2) offer opportunities for children with
disabilities to engage in the creative process,
including through acting, set design, and other aspects
of theatre production.
(e) As soon as practicable after the effective date of this
Act, and not later than September 1, 2026, the Commission on
the Arts may adopt rules necessary to implement this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025