Texas Legislature Passes Major Film Incentive Bill

The Texas Legislature has passed Senate Bill 22, creating the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund to provide $300 million in film and television production incentives every two years until 2035, down from an earlier $500 million proposal. The bill seeks to boost Texas's competitiveness with states like New Mexico, Louisiana, and Georgia that offer stronger incentives to productions. High-profile supporters, including actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, lobbied for the measure to keep Texas-based stories filmed locally. The program offers decade-long funding stability and a tiered rebate system of up to 25%, with extra incentives for rural, post-production, or Texas heritage projects. Industry advocates view the bill as a major investment in local jobs and creative opportunities, though some hope for expanded support for independent filmmakers. The bill now awaits final approval from Governor Greg Abbott, with broad optimism among stakeholders.