Presidential debates hosted in Texas would get a financial boost from the state under a measure approved by the House.
The bill passed Tuesday now moves to the Senate, where an identical proposal has stalled.
The Commission on Presidential Debates says three Texas entities, Houston Community College, Texas A&M University and city authorities in McAllen, have applied to host 2016 general election debates.
If it clears the Legislature and is signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, Garland Republican Rep. Angie Chen Button's bill would add presidential debates to the list of things eligible for funding from the major events trust fund.
It already includes professional sporting events, national political conventions and college sports.
According to the state comptroller, three events in fiscal year 2014 received money from the fund.
