S.20.3-14: Sports Venue Reform Act (Law'd)

[tmthforu94]

Sports Venue Reform Act

1. The Southern Government shall no longer subsidize the construction of venues whose purposes are to host professional sports games.
2. This act shall take effect January 1, 2020 and does not apply to any current agreements that have been made.

Sponsor: Tmthforu94

Minimum 48 hours for debate.

[tmthforu94]

Another bill passed pre-reset that I don't believe has been adopted recently. Kudos to the initial author, Maxwell. Initial bill here: https://talkelections.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/IDS_Sports_Venue_Reform

This is almost the same wording, I did add Clause 2 because I think it is important (and also to avoid litigation) to keep all current contracts. There was also a federal version of this pre-reset, I'm not sure if it is still adopted. Cities may still opt to do it by a citizen vote, but no regional funding should go towards these projects and should be instead used for smarter economic investments. There has been little evidence showing that the economic benefits of these stadiums outweigh the cost of the subsidies.

[tmthforu94]

Any thoughts, positive or negative? This is pretty straight-forward. If not, I'll be calling for a final vote tomorrow.

[tmthforu94]

I am calling for a final vote, 24 hours for objections.

[tmthforu94]

A final vote has now started, please vote AYE, NAY or ABSTAIN.


Aye

[tmthforu94]

Just to restate, this does not prohibit subsidies in general, cities and local municipalities are still free to make that decision. This only limits them coming from the regional government.

[tmthforu94]

Due to a vacancy in the Chamber, this has enough votes to fail. Delegates have 24 hours to change their votes.


I must say, I am disappointed by this. Not because it is failing, but because none of the Nay votes bothered to say anything prior to the vote beginning. Perhaps an amendment could have been offered to address some of the concerns, I would have been happy to work with any of you on this if I had known there were issues. This is something I would have expected from the last Chamber, but not this one, our first instance of Lazy Legislating! this session. Several delegates are running for Governor - this helps bring clarity for me on that race.

[tmthforu94]

Well, with WB's vote, this bill has passed and will be presented to the Governor for signature.