Texas is on the verge of launching one of the most aggressive film incentive programs in the country, as Senate Bill 22 — which could steer $300 million in tax incentives per biennium to the film and television industry — cleared the Texas House Monday night, with support from Republican leadership and pressure from major Hollywood names.
The legislation, which updates and expands the Texas Moving Image Industry Program (TMIIP), has moved swiftly through both chambers with relatively little opposition inside the Capitol — though not without controversy outside it.
SB 22 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston), and brought to the House floor by Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), who characterized the bill as a necessary measure to boost Texas’ film economy. “What we have got to do is what President Trump tweeted … Let’s let the states start taking control,” Hunter said, signaling a populist message while arguing for state control over media dollars.
The bill sets up "guardrails," not funding itself, Hunter emphasized — the money is embedded in the broader state budget, which has already been voted on but not finalized. Initial drafts sought $500 million per biennium for the TMIIP, but in response to concerns about overspending, Hunter offered an amendment to lower the amount to $300 million, which was accepted during the bill’s final reading.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who included film incentives among his top priorities this session, reportedly held a closed-door meeting with House conservatives before the vote, reiterating that the $300 million figure was baked into the budget already and urging passage.
Hollywood in Texas — or Texas in Hollywood?
The push to supercharge Texas’ film industry comes amid declining production in California and a rise in states like Georgia and New Mexico, which offer generous incentives. Supporters see this as Texas’ chance to become the “new Hollywood.”
Big-name celebrities including Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, and "Yellowstone" creator Taylor Sheridan have actively backed the proposal. Sheridan, in particular, has advocated for relaxing residency requirements, a move some critics argue undermines local job creation.
Under SB 22, the current requirement that 55% of a production’s crew be Texas residents will drop to just 35% — a sharp decline from the 70% threshold mandated during the last session. Still, Hunter noted that the final version may include a bonus incentive — a 2.5% uplift — for productions hiring 70% or more Texas residents.
Hunter pointed to the economic success stories of small-town Texas filming locations like Midlothian, where shows like The Chosen and Fixer Upper have brought money to struggling mom-and-pop businesses, hotels, taco trucks, and laundromats.
“This isn't Hollywood coming to Texas. This is Texas taking over Hollywood,” Hunter said. “They should be scared — because this bill brings it to our state, and we as a Legislature should be the oversight of the Texas film industry.”
Conservative Backlash: “A Handout to Our Critics”
Despite the bill’s momentum, not all Republicans are on board.
Rep. David Lowe (R-Dallas) gave a fiery floor speech denouncing SB 22 as a “Hollywood handout,” arguing that it funds an industry hostile to Texas’ conservative values.
“This is the same industry that trashed us for supporting President Trump, mocked us for standing up for the unborn, vilified us for opposing gender transitions for children, and ridiculed our Christian faith at every opportunity,” Lowe said. “And now we are expected to trust them to produce family-friendly content and reimburse them $2.5 billion over the next decade?”
Lowe’s remarks were echoed by 25 other Republicans who voted against the bill, citing both cultural concerns and fiscal conservatism. Rep. Shelly Luther (R-Tom Bean) later clarified she was incorrectly recorded as voting for the bill and meant to oppose it.
Others, like Rep. Richard Hayes (R-Hickory Creek), questioned the financial math behind the bill. Hayes pressed Hunter on the House floor about discrepancies between the proposed $500 million and the $300 million figure now being discussed. Hunter said the numbers are still under review by the conference committee.
What’s Next?
The legislation now heads back to the Senate, where lawmakers must decide whether to concur with the House amendments or convene a conference committee to hash out the final language. Once reconciled, the bill will be sent to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. Abbott has not publicly opposed the bill, and supporters remain confident it will be signed into law.
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