Texas House Approves $1.5 Billion Film, TV Production Incentive

The Texas House has passed Senate Bill 22, approving a $1.5 billion film and television production incentive program over the next decade, allocating $300 million every two years starting with the fiscal year in September. The bill aims to boost Texas as a competitive location for media production, offering direct cash grants up to 25% for qualified in-state expenditures, with additional uplifts increasing the potential benefit to 31%. High-profile Texas natives like Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, and producer Taylor Sheridan have actively supported the legislation, which is expected to stimulate economic growth and job creation, particularly benefiting cities like Fort Worth. However, the bill has faced opposition from some Republican lawmakers who criticize it as a misuse of taxpayer dollars and an example of crony corporatism, citing concerns about the film industry's culture and priorities. The bill now awaits Governor Greg Abbott's signature, with strong expectations for approval. This initiative reflects Texas’s effort to retain productions that might otherwise shoot in states with more generous incentives, like New Mexico and Louisiana.