H.B. No. 2212 seeks to bolster film and television production in Texas by creating new funding mechanisms and educational opportunities. The bill establishes virtual film production institutes at Texas A&M University and Texas State University, aimed at providing resources for students in this field. It also introduces a Film Events Trust Fund and a Film Production Tax Rebate Trust Fund to support various media productions in the state. The definition of eligible events for funding under the major events reimbursement program is expanded to include film and television productions, and the bill outlines the roles of various entities in facilitating these events.

Key provisions include the establishment of a new chapter for the Film Production Tax Rebate Trust Fund, which details eligibility based on a competitive selection process and allows for rebates equal to 25 percent of incremental tax receipts from film productions. The bill amends existing laws to expand the definition of media production facilities to include virtual production facilities and allows for the nomination of media production locations through various local government actions. It also extends the duration for designations of qualified media production locations from two years to four years and repeals previous limitations on the number of designations. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 475.0001, Government Code 478.0001, Government Code 478.0051, Government Code 151.3415 (Government Code 151, Government Code 475, Government Code 478)