AUSTIN — Texas lawmakers have approved what officials are calling the largest investment in job creation for the state’s media production industries in Texas history, with Senate Bill 22 passing into law and set to take effect September 1.
The legislation significantly expands the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP), marking the second consecutive legislative session to deliver record-breaking funding for the state’s film and television industry.
Historic Expansion of Incentives
The new law restructures the incentive program with several key changes designed to attract more productions to Texas while ensuring greater benefits for local workers and businesses. The legislation establishes new minimum and maximum percentage levels for incentives, increases requirements for hiring Texas residents, and creates additional “uplifts” for eligible productions.
“Today’s bill passage recognizes the value of high-quality media productions created in Texas and exported to the nation and the world, furthering the power of the Texas brand,” said Stephanie Whallon, Director of the Texas Film Commission.
The program covers a broad range of media production, including film, television, commercials, animation, visual effects, video games, and extended reality content.
New Requirements and Benefits
Under SB22, productions will face new minimum percentages for hiring Texas residents, with requirements varying by production type. The legislation also sets new grant percentages based on eligible in-state spending levels and wages paid to Texas residents.
A significant addition is the establishment of new “uplifts” for eligible productions, though specific details of these incentives have not yet been released. The law also implements a percentage cap for total reimbursement grants.
Implementation Timeline
The Texas Film Commission will spend the summer developing new rules and application processes before the law takes effect. While the agency will begin accepting applications for projects starting September 1, decisions will not be made until administrative rules become effective.
“Like all successful productions, we’ll need to do some pre-production to prepare for the implementation of the new aspects of the program,” Whallon said in a statement.
The commission emphasized that it will continue accepting applications under current TMIIIP rules throughout the transition period.
Industry Impact
The expansion comes as Texas seeks to compete more aggressively with other states for lucrative film and television productions. The Texas Film Commission’s mission focuses on growing local jobs and economies by promoting the state as a premier destination for media production.
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature have been credited with supporting the program’s growth over two consecutive sessions.
Transition Period Details
Texas Film Commission staff will work immediately on developing new rules, timelines, and a revised application process. The agency plans to provide updated information on implementation timelines throughout the summer.
Officials stressed that the Texas Film Commission maintains sole responsibility for implementing the program modifications, cautioning that various summaries and information circulating may not be accurate.
Looking Ahead
The legislation represents what Whallon called “the beginning of a bright new chapter in the history of the Texas Film Commission.”
Current applications can still be submitted through the existing system at gov.texas.gov/apps/film/filmIncentivesInquiry.aspx, and the commission encourages interested parties to follow their social media channels and newsletter for the latest updates.
The expanded incentive program positions Texas to compete more effectively in the national market for film and television production, with the potential to bring significant economic benefits to communities across the state through increased production activity and job creation.
For more information about the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, contact the Texas Film Commission directly or visit their website for the most current application guidelines and requirements.
