(a) Purpose. Created pursuant to §485A.107 of the Act, the Media Production Advisory Committee (MPAC) reviews applications submitted to the Texas Film Commission (TFC) under the Act. The advice and recommendations expressed by the MPAC provide the TFC and the Comptroller's office with a broader perspective regarding media production matters that will be considered in determining whether to approve an application.
(b) Tasks. The MPAC shall:
  (1) review each application for designation of qualified media production locations eligible to be certified under the Act, and make a recommendation to the TFC with respect to those applications; and
  (2) perform other duties as determined by the TFC.
(c) Reporting requirements. The MPAC will report to the TFC by way of consultation at called meetings; no formal reports, other than the committee's written recommendation on an application, are required unless requested by the director of the TFC.
(d) Independence. Each MPAC member shall in fact and in appearance be independent of any media production location, facility, or qualified person who has been nominated, recognized, qualified, or certified under the provisions of the Act and this chapter.
  (1) A MPAC member lacks independence prima facie if such member, or any member of his or her immediate family, with regard to any media production location, facility, qualified person, or Requestor:
    (A) has any direct or material indirect financial interest; or
    (B) is employed by or affiliated with as a director, officer, manager, or consultant.
  (2) If an MPAC member lacks independence, that member must be recused from any meeting about such location, facility, qualified person, or Requestor and may not hear, discuss, deliberate on, or vote on the determination of the recommendation thereon.

Source Note: The provisions of this §123.9 adopted to be effective March 25, 2014, 39 TexReg 2065