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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to a grant program for nonprofit children's theatres to |
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increase the accessibility of their facilities. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 444, Government Code, is amended by |
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adding Section 444.033 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 444.033. CHILDREN'S THEATER ACCESSIBILITY ADVANCEMENT |
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GRANT PROGRAM: (a) In this section: |
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(1) "Children's theatre" means a theatre that is |
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primarily attended by or targeted towards |
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children; |
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(2) "Accommodations" means reasonable modifications |
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or renovations to a theater to facilitate access |
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for individuals with disabilities. |
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(3) "Nonprofit corporation" has the meaning defined in |
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Section 22.001, Business and Organizations Code. |
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(b) The commission shall establish and administer the |
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Children's Theatre Accessibility Advancement Grant Program to |
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assist children's theaters with projects that increase the physical |
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accessibility of their facilities. To be eligible to receive a |
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grant under this section, an applicant must: |
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(1) be a nonprofit corporation; |
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(2) apply in a manner prescribed by commission rule; |
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(3) be in good standing under the laws of this state; |
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and |
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(4) demonstrate a legitimate need for grant funding. |
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(c) A grant under this section may be used only for expenses |
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that address the ability of theater facilities to accommodate |
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individuals with disabilities; |
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(d) The grant program shall prioritize applicants that: |
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(1) demonstrate a record of partnership with a school |
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district or open enrolment charter school to provide |
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performances and education opportunities to children |
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free of charge; |
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(2) offer opportunities for children with |
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disabilities to engage in the creative process, |
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including through acting, set design, and other aspects |
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of theatre production. |
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(e) As soon as practicable after the effective date of this |
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Act, and not later than September 1, 2026, the Commission on |
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the Arts may adopt rules necessary to implement this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025 |