TX HB5500

Requires at least two of the nine Texas Commission on the Arts board members to be residents of counties with populations under 50,000

Removes the requirement that commission consultants represent "various racial and ethnic groups present in the state," retaining only the geographic representation requirement

Eliminates "cultural and ethnic" diversity considerations from grant distribution procedures, keeping only geographical diversity as a factor

Changes artist consideration criteria for fine arts projects from "of all ethnic origins" to "without regard to race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin"

Takes effect immediately with two-thirds legislative vote, otherwise September 1, 2025