LEGISLATIVE BUDGET BOARD

Austin, Texas

FISCAL NOTE, 81ST LEGISLATIVE REGULAR SESSION

March 25, 2009

TO:	Honorable Chris Harris, Chair, Senate Committee on Economic Development
FROM:	John S. O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:	SB605 by Deuell (Relating to incentives for the film, television, video, and digital interactive media production industries.), Committee Report 1st House, Substituted

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.

The bill adds educational or instructional videos to the definition of a moving image project and defines underutilized and economically distressed areas. The bill amends grant requirements for a film or television program from a minimum of $1 million in in-state spending to $250,000 and amends the percent that must be filmed in Texas from 80 percent to 60 percent.  The bill requires the establishment of rules for grant amounts and changes the additional grant amount for filming in underused areas from 1.25 percent to 2.5 percent of the company's in-state spending.  The bill states grants may only be made from appropriated funds. 

Local Government Impact

No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.

Source Agencies:

301 Office of the Governor

LBB Staff:

JOB, JRO, MS, BTA, WK