House tentatively approves film bill

AUSTIN - The Texas House has tentatively approved its first substantive bill this session -- a measure designed to help lure movie and television productions to the state.

The House gave tentative approval to a bill by Rep. Dawnna Dukes, an Austin Democrat, that will give the state film office more flexibility in deciding financial incentives for moviemakers. Dukes says it will help the state better compete nationally for production of movies, television shows and video games.

In the past few years Texas has been losing out to other states with better incentives for movies. Some states offer 25 percent tax credits or rebates.  Currently, the governor's Texas Film Commission can award grants for the lesser of 5 percent of a production's in-state spending or a specified amount, depending on the type of project.

The new legislation would give the film office power to establish a maximum amount of a grant and would change some qualifications that a production company would have to meet.