All production at the Capitol, Capitol Extension, grounds, Visitors Center, Capitol Mall, Texas State Cemetery and the Johnson, Reagan and Sam Houston buildings needs….
Lead time At least 14 days (two weeks)
Fees The production reimburses SPB staff time, security officers, electricians and any damage, due within 21 days of notice
| Do you need one? | All production at the Capitol, Capitol Extension, grounds, Visitors Center, Capitol Mall, Texas State Cemetery and the Johnson, Reagan and Sam Houston buildings needs an SPB request and location agreement. Filming for commercial advertising is prohibited. News-gathering is exempt. |
| Who issues it | State Preservation Board (SPB) Capitol Events office; moving-image projects also need Texas Film Commission approval, with SPB having the final say. |
| Lead time | At least 14 days (two weeks); requests are handled in the order received. Changes need 24 hours' written notice. |
| Fees | The production reimburses SPB staff time, security officers, electricians and any damage, due within 21 days of notice. Rates not published. |
| Insurance | General liability $1 million with a $5 million umbrella, auto $1 million, statutory workers' comp and employers' liability ($100,000 / $100,000 / $500,000), each with waiver of subrogation. Can be waived for handheld, uncabled cameras with no vehicles or props on the grounds. |
| Police, fire and traffic | Only Capitol DPS officers are used unless the board approves otherwise; SPB and DPS set the number. A pre-production walk-through with SPB and DPS is required. |
| Street and lane closures | Streets and sidewalks around the Capitol belong to the City of Austin, which permits them. |
| Hours and noise | Generally barred on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., during legislative sessions, and whenever it would disrupt government business. SPB asks that shoots be held Friday through Sunday. |
| Also | No filming in the House and Senate chambers (except as the chambers authorize), Governor's offices and reception room, Treasury, Legislative Library, Supreme and Appeals courtrooms, Agriculture Museum room or Secretary of State's office. Nothing may be attached to or touch building surfaces or artwork; equipment must be freestanding. |
From the official pages: State Preservation Board - Production requests ↗︎ · State Preservation Board - Production policy ↗︎. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you shoot. Not legal advice. Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.