Latest news with #SenateBill22
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Missouri Supreme Court Halts Abortion Access, Defying Will Of The Voters
The Missouri Supreme Court has halted abortion access in the state for now, upending a constitutional amendment that voters put in place last year and delivering a 'devastating' setback for patients in need of immediate abortion care, reproductive rights advocates say. The state's highest court ruled Tuesday that a district judge must vacate her two recent rulings issuing preliminary injunctions protecting abortion rights, which were reinstated by voters last November following a 2022 ban in the wake of the fall of Roe v. Wade. 'This latest attack by the Missouri Supreme Court is unconstitutional, unconscionable, and downright dirty politics,' Mini Timmaraju, the president of Reproductive Freedom for All, said in reacting to the ruling. 'It is devastating for people across the country to know that even if they organize, vote, and pass measures to protect their reproductive care, extreme GOP actors will still try to take away our constitutional rights.' The Missouri Supreme Court's ruling hinges on its conclusion that District Judge Jerri Zhang used the wrong standard to make her decisions. When she determined in December that the state's near-total abortion ban was unenforceable, then in February struck down licensing requirements and regulations for abortion clinics, calling them 'unnecessary' and 'discriminatory,' she concluded that abortion rights advocates were likely to prevail in their larger, ongoing battle with the state over abortion access. The Missouri Supreme Court ruled this week that Zhang should have first considered whether allowing abortions to continue would cause any harms. The decision gives Zhang the chance to revisit the cases and reissue her rulings. But for now, patients in need of abortions in Missouri will have to leave the state for care. 'This decision puts our state back under a de facto abortion ban and is devastating for Missourians and the providers they trust with their personal health care decisions,' Emily Wales and Margot Riphagen, the presidents of Planned Parenthood's Great Plains and Great Rivers branches, respectively, said in a joint statement. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey celebrated the ruling, calling it a 'win for women and children.' Bailey was able to challenge Zhang's rulings because of the state's newly passed Senate Bill 22, the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center noted in a press release last week. The legislation allows the Missouri attorney general to appeal preliminary injunctions that block his office from enforcing an existing law. Tuesday's ruling is the latest development in Missouri's ongoing legal battle over abortion. In November, it became the first state where voters used a ballot measure to overturn an existing, sweeping abortion ban ― triggering legal challenges from the state's Republican-controlled government. And earlier this month, state Republicans passed a referendum to put abortion back on the ballot. The proposed amendment will likely appear before voters in November 2026, though it's possible Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe could call for a special election sooner. RFK Jr. Says He's Exploring A Crackdown On This Perfectly Safe Medication 2 Of Trump's Court Picks Argued Abortion Pill 'Starves The Baby To Death' In Womb Georgia Abortion Law Forces Brain-Dead Woman To Stay On Life Support For Months
Axios
28-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Lawmakers sweeten the deal for Texas-based film and TV productions
Texas lawmakers have approved a major film incentive bill, signaling a long-term effort to make the state more competitive for projects. Why it matters: Senate Bill 22, filed by Houston Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, would inject $1.5 billion into a new Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Fund every two years through 2035 — the biggest support for film incentives in the state yet. Backed by celebs, the bill is a major win for production advocates who say Texas has lost out for too long. Eligible expenses would include wages for Texas workers, meals from local restaurants, and airfare on Texas-based airlines — all of which could be reimbursed through the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program. Driving the news: The Texas House approved the Senate-passed bill over the weekend and it will likely be sent to Gov. Greg Abbott, who is expected to sign it, per the Fort Worth Report. State of play: The proposal originally sought $500 million every two years, but the figure dropped to $300 million following committee discussions. Rep. Todd Hunter (R-Corpus Christi), who sponsored the bill in the House, said he'll keep pushing for the higher amount in future budget cycles, per the Fort Worth Report. Yes, but: Despite the drop, the bill would still mark the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program's biggest upgrade yet if signed by Abbott. The consistent funding would support long-term planning and extended productions, the nonprofit Media for Texas tells Axios. Flashback: Since launching in 2007, Texas' film incentive program has seen inconsistent funding. In 2023, lawmakers didn't overhaul the program but approved a then-record $200 million for the 2024–2025 budget — a major jump from the previous $45 million. Zoom in: Houston saw more than $81 million in film-related economic impact in 2024 — more than double the previous year — with projects like Netflix's "Mo" in Alief and Paramount's "1923" filming in the region, per Houston First. What they're saying: "This bill will enable Texans to take a leading place in this industry," Chase Musslewhite, co-founder of Media for Texas, tells Axios. "And instead of this fear of Hollywood coming to Texas, we should look at the opportunity for Texas to be a leader in this industry and spread light in places where industry may not be working. So I think it's just a huge, huge, huge opportunity for Texas."
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas House approves $1.5 billion plan to attract movie and TV production
The Brief The Texas House approved SB 22, which would boost funding for the state's film and TV production incentive program. The bill allocates $1.5 billion over 10 years, with $500 million distributed every two years through 2025. Supporters say it will bring more high-dollar production to Texas and boost economic development. TEXAS - The Texas House has approved a bill that would significantly increase the amount of tax dollars used to attract movie and television productions to the state. What we know Senate Bill 22 would expand funding for the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program, which was made to draw more media production to Texas. The Senate passed the bill in April, approving up to $1.5 billion in funding over the next 10 years. SB 22 allocates $500 million every two years through Sept. 1, 2035. While this dollar amount represents an initial budget approval, the final cost could still change. The new funding more than doubles Texas' current investment in film and television production. Supporters say the bill is designed to attract high-dollar productions and help economic growth in Texas. Actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson testified in support of the bill in front the Texas Senate Finance Committee in March. Dig deeper Although Texas is home to many iconic stories, several recent films set in the state have been shot elsewhere. States like New Mexico and Louisiana currently offer more competitive incentives, pulling media production away from Texas. The Source Information in this article comes from the Texas Legislature and previous FOX 4 coverage.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas House Passes Bill Sweetening Film & TV Production Incentive, With High Wattage Help
Texas is on the cusp of a sweeter deal for film and TV production, the latest state pushing to keep projects local. The Texas House officially passed Senate Bill 22 Monday in a move that would boost cash available to $300 million every two years for the next decade starting with the September 1 fiscal year – so $1.5 billion total. That's below an initial biennial $500 million the State Senate signed off on earlier this month but still a major upgrade in terms of dollars and stability. More from Deadline Brandon Sklenar Set For Taylor Sheridan-Penned Action Thriller 'F.A.S.T.' At Warner Bros Glen Powell-Starrer 'Chad Powers' Sets Hulu Premiere Date Paramount Using Taylor Sheridan, 101 Studios Relationship As Model For Success Says Co-CEO Texas appropriations run on two-year cycles and so have its film incentives. About the highest they've ever been was $200 million for the current cycle two-year cycle. The one before that was just $40 million. The new incentive would run through 2035, giving productions a whole new level of visibility. It offers direct cash grants with percentages tiered based on spending up to 25% for $1.5 million of qualified in-state expenditures. That's an increase from 20% currently, and can reach 31% with various uplifts. It's been a priority bill for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick this session and he's had some notable support from Texas natives Dennis Quaid, Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson and Taylor Sheridan, leading to some high wattage testimony at the State House in Austin and during a major activation during SXSW to help push through the legislation. Glen Powell, Owen Wilson and more have shared their love for Texas filmmaking on social media and in a video called True To Texas – Let's Bring Productions Home filmed partly at Stray Vista Studios in Dipping Springs west of Austin. The bill, which passed the House by 112-26, now heads back to the Senate and ultimately to the desk of Gov. Greg Abbott, a supporter, who has until June 1 to sign. 'The idea is that Texas doesn't have to be the end all, just not lose productions that want to shoot here,' said Grant Wood, a co-founder with Chase Musslewhite of Media For Texas, a new group that's been spearheading the push. Its site lists a dozen productions that are Texas stories but shot in states with better incentives were better. 'Georgia gives a billion dollars a year [in tax credits]. New York is at $700 million. We really need something that's going to at least give us a seat at the table so that we can stop our Texas stories from going to New Mexico, Louisiana, Georgia. That's our biggest issue. It's not even attracting or competing to get all the production that we possibly can in Texas. It's just to stop the Texas stories from leaving,' said Musslewhite. Speaking with Deadline about the bill before the House voted, they said Texas makes sense geographically as 'a third media coast.' 'We are proud to have played a role in advancing this historic legislation, made possible by the leadership of Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Senator Joan Huffman, and Representative Todd Hunter. We extend our deepest gratitude to these champions, to the legislators who voted YES in both chambers, and to the passionate members of our creative community who have rallied behind this cause. We are also grateful for the support of Texas-born talent who understand the importance of telling Texas stories here at home,' the group said in a statement Monday. 'While the bill's funding was adjusted from the original $500 million to $300 million, this remains a landmark investment in the future of media production across the state. There are a few final steps ahead, but today's vote gives us strong confidence that SB22 will soon make its way to Governor Abbott's desk for final approval.' It called the passage a 'victory belongs to every crew member, storyteller, entrepreneur, and advocate who believes in the power of Texas-made media.' Some big names operate out of Texas from Richard Linklater-founded Austin Film Society and Austin Studios, Robert Rodriquez-based Troublemaker Studios and the ATX Studios complex, also both in Austin. Sheridan, whose latest shoot in Texas is Landman for Paramount+, is looking at partnering with businessman Ross Perot, Jr., who owns warehouses in the Alliance area of Fort Worth, to build sound stages there. The team behind juggernaut The Chosen has filmed at Capernaum Studios near Fort Worth and is now set at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian. 'There's about five major developments where the land has been bought, the plans have been made … They just sort of need this bill to pass to feel confident,' says Musslewhite. The crew base is good but could certainly use expanding. She said her group is talking to the Georgia Film Academy – which has done an exceptional job in career development — to develop some sort of similar workshop in Texas 'to speed things up and help people get their trade degree very quickly.' There's been a push to boost incentive across the country with New York boosting its package to $700 million a year and California working on a major upgrade to $750 million. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery 'Poker Face' Season 2 Guest Stars: From Katie Holmes To Simon Hellberg Everything We Know About Amazon's 'Verity' Movie So Far
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas Lege down to the wire: No NDAs in sex abuse case, yes to film incentives, ban on THC
With the 2025 legislative session heading into its final week, lawmakers spent much of the Memorial Day weekend in the Capitol in the homestretch push to either pass the hundreds of bills waiting in the queue or risk seeing them die when the final gavel falls on June 2. Here's a roundup of some the weekend's top action. Legislation to ban the use of nondisclosure agreements in sexual assault civil cases moved a step closer to being enacted with the House unanimously passed Senate Bill 835, called "Trey's Law" and named for an abuse victim from Dallas who took his own life. Trey Carlock, who at age 28 died by suicide in 2019. Carlock suffered 10 years of abuse at the hands of serial pedophile Pete Newman, who was found guilty of molesting at least 57 victims while he was a counselor at Kanakuk Kamps in Branson, Mo. State Rep. Jeff Leach, R-Plano, is the House sponsor of the legislation authored by Sen. Angela Paxton, R-McKinney. The preliminary House vote came Sunday and the vote to send it to Abbott's desk was cast Monday. Leach called SB 835, "One of the strongest bills for sexual abuse survivors and victims anywhere in this country. We cannot back down now, and we will not back down ever," he said. The Lone Star State will throw its hat into the filmmaking ring with the House's passage of Senate Bill 22, which would create a $300 million Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive fund, on Monday. Lawmakers in the lower chamber approved a lower allocation than did the Senate, which set aside half of a million dollars in taxpayer funds for the initiative. The tax breaks are meant to entice Hollywood types to bring productions to Texas and hire workers from within the state. Democratic state Rep. Jolanda Jones, who competed in the show "Survivor: Palau" in 2005, said her city of Houston lost a film studio to Louisiana because that state has approved incentives that Texas does not yet have. "This bill is about job growth and keeping Texas competitive," Jones said. Two of Texas' most well-known movie stars, Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, came to the Capitol several times to urge passage of the bill. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made the bill, authored by Republican Sen. Joan Huffman, of Houston, a priority. More: Woody Harrelson, Matthew McConaughey and others testify on Senate Bill 22 at Texas Capitol The proposal passed 114-26, with hardline Republicans voting against it. It now heads back to the Senate, where the allocation amount could be negotiated. The sweeping ban on the sale and consumption of intoxicating hemp products is now in the hands of Gov. Greg Abbott after the Senate late Sunday accepted the changes made to a piece of legislation that was central this year's agenda of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Senate Bill 3 specifically targets presently legal products containing tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the substance that creates the "high." Patrick has said the proliferation of retail outlets across Texas and the possibility that minors might be able to purchase products containing THC made the passage of the legislation crucial to public safety. More: Is THC in Texas going up in smoke? House OKs ban, averting showdown with Senate Veterans organizations, however, were among the most vocal opponents of SB 3, saying the over-the-counter available of the products are useful alternative to opioids and other medications that help former service members deal with lingering injuries and post-traumatic stress dating back to their years in uniform. Selling and consuming non-intoxicating, non-psychoactive cannabinoids known as CBD and CBG would remain legal under SB 3. Abbott's office has not weighed on whether the governor plans to sign the bill. This is a developing report. Please check back for updates. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Highlights from the Texas Legislature as end of session nears
