- TXLege News
- Posts
- Texas Political Spotlight
Texas Political Spotlight
(Updated) Lights, Camera, Action... Texas Senate Finance Committee Moves to Expand Film and TV Incentives
TXLege
April 02, 2025
Welcome back, friends
→ Note, for enhanced clarity, SB 22 was unanimously passed by the Senate Finance Committee and now moves to the floor.
The Texas Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed SB 22, a bill that would inject $500 million every two years into the state's film and TV incentive program, aiming to make Texas a major player in the entertainment industry. Meanwhile, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced the third round of opioid settlement payments, distributing $44.8 million to local governments to combat the opioid crisis. Additionally, Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a criminal investigation into EPIC City, a proposed development in Collin County, citing legal concerns and prompting multiple state agencies to take action.
Today’s Insights:
Lights, Camera, Action… Texas Senate Finance Committee Moves to Expand Film and TV Incentives
State Rolls Out Third Round of Opioid Crisis Funds, Totaling Over $100M
Abbott Raises Concerns Over EPIC City, Orders State Investigations
Image Credit: Austin-American Statesman
Lights, Camera, Action… Texas Senate Finance Committee Moves to Expand Film and TV Incentives
The Texas Senate Finance Committee unanimously passed SB 22 on Monday, a measure that would significantly increase funding for the state’s film and television production incentives. Sponsored by Senator Joan Huffman, the bill directs $500 million every two years into the Texas Moving Image Incentive Program until 2035. The initiative aims to make Texas more competitive with states like Georgia and New Mexico, which offer more substantial and stable financial incentives for filmmakers. The bill includes provisions such as bonus grants for productions that film in rural areas and restrictions on funding projects that depict Texas in a negative light.
During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson testified in favor of the bill, highlighting its potential economic impact and advocating for workforce development in the film industry. McConaughey proposed using local community colleges and technical schools to train Texas residents in film-related trades, while producer Chad Gundersen emphasized the importance of building post-production infrastructure to retain talent. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has named SB 22 a priority, was also present at the hearing. The bill now moves to the full senate, while the house companion measure, HB 4568, awaits a committee hearing.
Image Credit: Houston Chronicle
State Rolls Out Third Round of Opioid Crisis Funds, Totaling Over $100M
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced a $44.8 million disbursement from the Opioid Abatement Trust Fund to political subdivisions across Texas, marking the third installment of opioid settlement proceeds aimed at addressing opioid-related harms in local communities. This follows previous payments of $47.1 million in March 2023 and $9.2 million in April 2024. The funds, allocated under the terms of statewide opioid litigation settlements, are intended to support local governments in providing critical services and enhancing recovery efforts. Future payments will vary based on settlement agreements and court orders, and recipients may be required to report fund usage to the Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC). In addition to local government distributions, the trust fund will also support hospital districts and grants for statewide opioid crisis mitigation efforts. Details on individual allocations and settlement agreements are available on the Comptroller’s website.
“By directing these resources where they’re needed most, we’re helping cities and counties provide critical services, foster recovery and ensure these settlement fund distribution dollars are used effectively to strengthen local response efforts”
Abbott Raises Concerns Over EPIC City, Orders State Investigations
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to open a criminal investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) following concerns over its proposed development, EPIC City, in Collin County. The 402-acre project, planned near Josephine, Texas, includes a mosque, housing, schools, businesses, and parks, with its developers stating that Islam would be a central focus. Abbott and other state leaders, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, have raised legal concerns about the project, prompting multiple state agencies to launch investigations into EPIC and its affiliated entities. The specific legal issues being examined have not been fully detailed, but Abbott has alleged that EPIC is violating state laws, including operating a funeral home without a license.
.@TCEQ found that EPIC and affiliated entities have not obtained the required authorizations or permits needed for construction.
They must confirm within 7 days that they are ceasing construction of their illegal project or face the full weight of the law.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX)
2:45 PM • Apr 1, 2025
EPIC City has drawn significant public attention, with hundreds of Collin County residents attending a local commissioners’ meeting to discuss the project. Some opponents have expressed concerns about religious segregation, while others have pointed to state laws prohibiting the enforcement of foreign legal codes. Abbott has also suggested that EPIC City could become a restricted "no-go zone," a claim the project's developers deny, stating that the community is designed to be inclusive. In response to the scrutiny, Paxton’s office has launched an investigation into Community Capital Partners, the entity behind the project, for potential consumer protection violations. While no official zoning applications have been filed, the legal and political battles surrounding EPIC City continue to escalate.
We hope you enjoyed today’s read!
🎙️ Watch our latest Bills & Business Episode with Norman Garza – Driving Innovation with the Texas Space Commission.
Join us on Bills & Business as host @Laura_USLege sits down with Norman Garza, the inaugural Executive Director of the @TXSpaceComm, to discuss how Texas is
— USLege (@USLege_ai)
3:40 PM • Mar 31, 2025
🎙️Check Out Our Podcast! 🎙️
Bills and Business is your go-to podcast for conversations related to Texas legislation and business. Hosted by Laura Carr, Co-Founder of USLege—an AI-driven legislative tracking software—we bring you in-depth analysis on economic trends, impactful legislation, and key developments shaping Texas business.
Subscribe on Youtube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for weekly episodes!
🔍 USLege - The Only AI-First Political Tracking Solution ✨
USLege helps you track legislation and find what you need faster from bills, committee hearings, floor debates, and state agency meetings faster.
Say goodbye to tedious tasks!
🤝 Texas Association of Business 📈
Texas Association of Business (TAB) is the Texas State Chamber, representing companies of every size and industry. TAB’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations.