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 modifies the existing requirement that at least 60 percent of the moving image project must be filmed in Texas, and introduces a new requirement for production companies to submit an expended budget detailing all in-state spending, along with necessary documentation to verify the spending.

The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, and aims to streamline the qualification process for production companies seeking grants under the incentive program by focusing on financial documentation rather than residency requirements for crew and talent.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 485.023 (Government Code 485)