| (a) Background. House Bill 374 establishes the rules and processes for the temporary use of state properties by a production company for production activity. It also establishes that a state property can be used seven days during a fiscal year without charge, other than the reimbursement of additional costs. This Act takes effect September 1, 2007. (b) Purpose. (1) Texas has had a prodigious film industry for decades, and has always been popular with filmmakers worldwide for its varied and beautiful locations. It has been the Texas Film Commission's (TFC) responsibility since 1971 to help filmmakers find the right location, and state properties have always been popular choices. Establishing rules and processes for filming at these locations will make it easier for filmmakers to use their preferred locations, as well as take the burden of communicating with and supervising production companies off the state property. (2) The Texas Film Commission is also responsible for attracting production activity to Texas because of its positive impact on the State's economy and workforce. The use of state properties for free for seven days of each fiscal year will be another tool that the TFC can use to attract filmmakers to Texas, increasing our competitive edge. |
