The bill amends Section 485.023 of the Government Code, which outlines the qualifications for participation in the moving image industry incentive program in Texas. Key changes include the removal of the requirement that at least 55 percent of the production crew, actors, and extras must be Texas residents, unless a written certification is provided by the office stating that a sufficient number of qualified individuals are unavailable. Additionally, the bill specifies that a production company must submit an expended budget that details all in-state spending, including necessary documentation such as receipts and invoices.
Furthermore, the bill maintains the existing requirement that at least 60 percent of the moving image project must be filmed in Texas. The new provisions aim to streamline the qualification process for production companies while ensuring accountability in reporting in-state expenditures. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Statutes affected: Introduced: Government Code 485.023 (Government Code 485)