Texas Film Bill: $1.5 Billion Investment to Make Texas the New Conservative Hollywood!

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The Texas film incentive bill has taken a significant stride towards becoming law, potentially positioning Texas as a less liberal counterpart for the movie industry.

On Monday, the Texas House of Representatives endorsed Senate Bill 22 (SB 22) by a vote of 114–26. This comprehensive bill sets aside $300 million for film and television production incentives every other year over the next ten years, amounting to a potential investment of $1.5 billion. The program aims to entice film, TV, and multimedia projects to film and produce in Texas. By doing so, it’s hoped that local employment opportunities will increase, economic activity will expand, and Texas will establish itself as a viable competitor to established production centers such as Georgia and California.

The proposal additionally offers rewards for movies that emphasize family morals, religious themes, or showcase Texas culture. Advocates of this law, like Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, view it as a chance to uphold Texas values and provide a contrast to typical Hollywood productions.

The Senate is set to re-examine the changes made by the House in the bill. If they approve these amendments, it will then be sent to Governor Greg Abbott for his signature. Earlier in this session, SB 22 was identified as a top priority by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.

Incentive Structure and Content Requirements

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’d say, “I’m all about supporting local film industries, and that’s exactly what the Texas Film Incentive Bill does! It gives out cash rewards, based on the amount of dough spent, to eligible productions. It’s like a pat on the back for keeping our Lone Star State in focus!

  • $250,000–$1 million in-state spending: 5% grant
  • $1 million–$1.5 million: 10% grant
  • Over $1.5 million: 25% grant

Extra rewards ranging from 2.5% to 5% can be earned on eligible projects that satisfy specific conditions. These conditions may include:

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  • Shooting in rural counties
  • Highlighting Texas historical heritage
  • Employing Texas veterans
  • Collaborating with local college students
  • Promoting family values or faith-based themes
  • Using Texas-based post-production services
  • Filming at recognized historic sites

To qualify, presentations need to get endorsement from the Texas Music, Film, Television, and Multimedia Office within the Governor’s Office. From September 1 onwards, all projects should hire a minimum of 35% local residents, with this percentage rising by 5% every two years.

Certain content is explicitly disqualified from receiving funds. These include:

  • Lewd content
  • Political ads
  • Religious services
  • News programs
  • Award shows
  • Casino-style video games

This legislation additionally demands that initiatives present Texas and its residents in a favorable manner, a stipulation that has garnered both endorsement and dissent.

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The bill also insists on projects depicting Texas and Texans in a positive way, a condition that has received both praise and criticism.

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The proposed legislation also includes a rule that projects should portray Texas and its people in a positive manner, attracting both applause and controversy.

Support from Lawmakers and the Industry

Representative Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi) put forth SB 22 in the House, labeling it as the “Revitalize Texas Film Industry” bill during a discussion. The proposal has backing from Lieutenant Governor Patrick, who stated that its purpose is to disseminate “the values of faith and family that Texas upholds beyond America and across the globe.

The advocacy group Media for Texas commended the bill, with representative Chase Musslewhite stating that the funding would propel Texas towards becoming a top contender in film production at a national level. He further mentioned that if the allocated $300 million is fully leveraged, there could be discussions to boost it to $500 million every two years during future legislative meetings.

In April, well-known actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson testified before a House committee in support of a related bill, HB 4568.

McConaughey stated, “Hollywood doesn’t own the right to tell great tales. There’s no copyright on that… So let’s tap into our unique Texan spirit and spin some stories of our own.

Criticism from Within the GOP and Beyond

In contrast to its widespread approval, SB 22 encountered resistance from a conservative segment within the Republican Party.

As a movie enthusiast speaking up, I’ve been vocalizing my concerns against a particular bill that seems to be dipping into our public funds for the sake of backing the entertainment industry. Over the past few months, I’ve taken to social media 45 times or so, using the term “Hollywood” as a symbol of protest. I’ve often tagged it with the phrase, “Keep Hollywood out of my Texas,” expressing my strong sentiments against such a move.

Harrison commented that this legislation is yet another example of an unfriendly-to-taxpayers bill, marking one of the least taxpayer-friendly sessions in Texas history. Instead of reducing property taxes, as one might expect, the Texas House has instead chosen to take billions from hardworking Texans and distribute it to liberal Hollywood.

Rep. David Lowe echoed the sentiment on the House floor.

He stated that this legislation offers financial benefits to the movie and amusement sector, which has consistently criticized us for backing President Trump, made fun of us for advocating for unborn babies, condemned us for resisting child gender transitions, and derided our Christian beliefs whenever possible.

On the Democratic side, Senator Sarah Eckhardt (D–Austin) voiced apprehensions that the bill’s use of “family values” might encourage arbitrary interpretation and application.

“Whose family values?” she asked during Senate debate.

Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston), who proposed the amendment endorsing faith-based content, did not concur with the claim that the standards were unfairly biased.

Comparison to Other States and Industry Outlook

Texas’ film incentive program has traditionally lagged behind other states.

By comparison:

  • Georgia and Louisiana offer robust programs without specific ideological filters.
  • Both states disqualify only obscene or explicitly unlawful content.
  • Texas’ new structure introduces content-based review standards, distinguishing it from more neutral economic development models.

In contrast to some other states that have achieved both commercial and critical acclaim with productions such as “Sinners,” filmed in Louisiana, there are questions about whether similar ventures, particularly those involving mature themes, would meet the cultural standards set forth in Texas’ proposed guidelines.

Nevertheless, supporters contend that tailoring the program to reflect local values and fostering job opportunities could draw a unique class of filmmakers, thereby establishing a long-term, homegrown film industry in Texas.

Next Steps

The Senate plans to examine the two changes made by the House and incorporated into SB 22. If they concur with these amendments, the bill will move forward for approval by Governor Abbott. Meanwhile, HB 4568, which proposes an extended $2.5 billion funding for the Texas Moving Image Incentive Program, is still being evaluated in the House.

If SB 22 is signed into law, the new guidelines and incentives will take effect September 1, 2025.

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2025-05-28 23:57