The legislation changes various maximum and minimum percentage levels of pay for Texas residents and of Texas-based productions.
AUSTIN, Texas — On Monday, Texas lawmakers enhanced the power of Texas-based filmmaking by passing Senate Bill 22.
The bill represents the single-largest investment in Texas-based media production, according to the Texas Film Commission.
“[June 23] marks the beginning of a bright new chapter in the history of the Texas Film Commission. We are honored to work on behalf of the people of Texas and to promote Texas as the premier destination for media production,” Texas Film Commission Director Stephanie Whallon reflected.
SB 22 supports funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) in the following ways:
- The degree of financial incentive, such as a grant or rebate, that a production can receive based on spending. New minimum and maximum limits will be established.
- Productions will now need to hire a certain percentage of Texas-based workers (like actors, crew, etc.), with specific rules depending on whether it’s a film, TV show, commercial, etc.
- Productions can get grants based on how much they spend within Texas and how much they pay Texas residents — with those percentages varying by production type.
- Establishes new additional financial bonuses for eligible productions
- Limits on how much a production can be reimbursed regardless of how much they spent.
The Texas Film Commission said it will begin working on rules, timelines and a revised application process in accordance with SB 22.
SB 22 will take effect on the first day of the state’s new two-year budget period on Sept. 1, 2025.
Whallon said the commission will “continue to accept applications for funding currently available under the current TMIIIP rules.” Additional information can be found online.
Whallon encourages those seeking the most updated information or anyone with questions to contact the commission directly.