Legislation concerning film incentives and drag story time books remains active as the legislative session nears its end.
The 89th Legislature draws to a close on June 2, with several arts-related bills missing crucial deadlines this week. While reviving a dead bill isn't impossible, time is running out with less than three weeks left. Here's a look at the current status of some noteworthy arts-related legislation at the Texas statehouse.
Obscenity in libraries
The Texas House passed Senate Bill 412, a bill designed to regulate explicit material in public libraries. The bill has faced criticism for its vague and broad language, with concerns it may target books featuring LGBTQ characters or those discussing anatomy and reproduction. The bill exempts religious texts and raises concerns for small libraries about enforcement. The Senate will hold a hearing on the bill on Thursday, May 15.
Drag story hour
Senate Bill 658, a bill from the last legislative session, seeks to strip funding from public libraries hosting drag story hours. Libraries hosting events with drag queens or kings where outfits are primary entertainment would lose funding for the following fiscal year. The measure has yet to be voted on by the House.
Book stores
Similar to the bill regarding public libraries, this measure, Texas Senate Bill 413, expands the civil liability for booksellers and other businesses allowing minors access to "harmful materials," including child pornography. The bill is currently in deliberation, with mixed feedback from proponents and opponents.
Film, TV, and video game production
Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Taylor Sheridan have lobbied for increased funding for Texas' film incentive program. The Senate passed a bill boosting funding to $500 million every two years until 2035, more than double the amount allocated in the last budget cycle. The House hasn't yet taken up the proposal, leading to debates over its potential impact on public funds and content eligible for funding.
Tickets for sporting events and live performances
A bill that aimed to remove restrictions on the resale ticket market failed to advance from committee. The legislation, which would have prohibited price caps on resale tickets and required upfront disclosure of ticket costs, is now considered dead, much to the disappointment of ticket resale sites.
Museums
A proposal to fine museums up to $500,000 per day per item deemed "obscene" did not make it out of the House's State Affairs Committee. The bill was filed in response to allegations that photos on display at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth constituted child pornography. The bill reflects a broader trend of efforts to limit access to certain types of materials in public institutions, drawing criticism from opponents concerned about free speech and access to information.
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- The Texas House has passed Senate Bill 412, a bill aimed at regulating explicit material in public libraries, which has faced criticism for its vague language and potential impact on books featuring certain topics, such as LGBTQ characters or discussions about anatomy and reproduction.
- Senate Bill 658, a measure from the last legislative session, aims to strip funding from public libraries hosting drag story hours, but it has yet to be voted on by the House.
- Texas Senate Bill 413 is currently under deliberation and expands the civil liability for booksellers and other businesses allowing minors access to "harmful materials," including child pornography.
- Hollywood stars Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, and Taylor Sheridan have lobbied for increased funding for Texas' film incentive program, with the Senate passing a bill to boost funding to $500 million every two years until 2035. However, the House hasn't yet taken up the proposal, leading to debates over its potential impact on public funds and content eligible for funding.
