Bills before Texas congress, written by Austin City Limits’ producer Terry Lickona
Dear Texas music industry professional:
I am 
producer for the past 36 years of the PBS program “Austin City Limits,” but today I am writing solely as a Texan working in the music industry. I ask that you contact your state legislator in support of 3 bills critical to the growth and vitality of Texas music.
Senate Bill 1179, introduced by Sen. Deuell
relating to a reduction in the mixed beverage tax for certain venues that present live music; authorizing a fee.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.
Senate Bill 1498, introduced by Sen. Deuell
relating to a sales tax exemption for certain items sold to or used by certain venues that present live music.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.
House Bill 3095, introduced by Rep. Strama (which combines SB 1498 and SB 1179)
relating to a reduction in the mixed beverage tax for certain venues that present live music; authorizing a fee.
http://www.capitol.state.tx.
The recording industry has decreased nearly 60 percent since 1999, leaving musicians and music businesses with less opportunities for income. Live music has since emerged as the industry’s primary business driver. There are several financial barriers that venue owners such as nightclubs, dancehalls, restaurants and bars face in presenting live music, including start-up costs, high taxes and copyright fees. Currently there are no incentives by law for presenting live music.
The intent of these bills is to create an incentive for venues to book more live music, thus contributing to the economy and culture of our state. These bills will also boost sales of sound and lighting equipment and the associated labor used to present live music. They will cut in half the TABC tax on music venue alcohol sales if a venue presents live music four or more times each week. They will amend the exemption authorized by Section 151.3185 of the tax code for producers of audio recordings to include an exemption for these venues that present live music 4 or more times a week, and exempt them from paying sales tax on certain items related to the performance of live music such as sound and lighting equipment and labor related to music-related equipment or materials including sound mitigation.
I urge you to contact your legislator to express support for these bills. To find out your representative’s and senator’s phone number, go to
http://www.capitol.state.tx.
and fill in the blanks in the “who represents me” fields.
Thanks for your time. If you have any questions, please reply to this email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Terry Lickona
Category: *- Features
About the Author (Author Profile)
In the music production business, including event production, booking, photography, reporting, and other such essentials, since 1980.Subscribe
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