On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 22 into law, significantly increasing support for Texas’ film industry with a historic investment that is expected to boost job creation and production activity, particularly in cities like San Antonio.

The bill raises funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) from $250 million to $300 million per biennium. With funding secured through 2035, the program represents a $1.5 billion commitment over the next decade. According to the Office of the Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office, every dollar invested in the program generates $4.69 in economic return.

San Antonio is expected to be a major beneficiary. The city’s own San Antonio Supplemental Film Incentive (SSAI), which is funded through local hotel occupancy tax revenue, offers up to a 7.5% rebate on qualifying local production expenses. When combined with the state program, qualifying productions may receive up to 38.5% in total incentives — the highest in Texas and among the most competitive nationwide.

“With the passage of this new state law, San Antonio is poised for a major leap forward in our local film industry,” said Krystal Jones, Director of the Department of Arts & Culture. “The City of San Antonio continues to champion filmmaking through sustained investment in the local film incentive program.”

The SSAI requires that at least 60% of a production take place within the Greater San Antonio Metro Area, with a minimum local spend of $100,000. Productions must also meet workforce requirements, including hiring at least 10% of paid crew and cast from San Antonio and meeting state hiring thresholds. Projects must base their primary office and hotel accommodations within the city.

The San Antonio Film Commission, part of the Department of Arts & Culture, manages film permits on city-owned property and connects local crews and vendors to job opportunities. For more information, visit FilmSanAntonio.com or follow @filmsanantonio.