Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2394

Introduced
2/20/24  
Introduced
2/20/24  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to economic development by establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program, and making appropriations.(See SF 2419.)

Impact

The bill modifies existing frameworks by repealing the sports tourism marketing program—transferring remaining funds into the new Iowa Major Events and Tourism Fund. This transition is expected to enhance the focus on promoting larger scale events that could attract greater tourism influx and expenditure within Iowa, particularly utilizing a substantial $15 million appropriation from the sports wagering receipts fund for the fiscal year 2024-2025. Overall, this bill offers a renewed structure to support economic development through targeted tourism incentives.

Summary

Senate File 2394 establishes the Iowa Major Events and Tourism Program and Fund aimed at promoting economic development through significant tourism-oriented events within the state. The bill requires the Iowa Economic Development Authority to administer this program, which will provide financial assistance such as grants to entities that support events generating large attendance and substantial publicity, thereby contributing to measurable economic impact. Events considered under this program include athletic contests, conventions, music festivals, and art festivals.

Contention

Some points of contention around this bill may arise from the eligibility criteria for financial assistance and the competitive bidding process required. The bill necessitates that applicants provide a comprehensive economic analysis when seeking financial award, and these provisions have raised discussions about the accessibility of such funds for smaller entities. Furthermore, with the repeal of the prior sports tourism program, there may be concerns regarding continuity and support for smaller-scale sporting events, prompting debate among stakeholders about prioritizing larger events over local initiatives.

Companion Bills

IA SF2419

Similar To A bill for an act relating to economic development by establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program, and making appropriations.(Formerly SF 2394.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF2419

A bill for an act relating to economic development by establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program, and making appropriations.(Formerly SF 2394.)

IA SF621

A bill for an act relating to economic development by establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program, and making appropriations.(See SF 640.)

IA SF640

A bill for an act relating to economic development by establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program, and making appropriations.(Formerly SF 621.)

IA SSB1157

A bill for an act concerning the regulation and support of leisure activities, including by providing for gambling games and sports wagering enforcement, license fees, tax rates, and the use of associated revenue, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism marketing and infrastructure program, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 613, SF 625.)

IA SSB1238

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund and technology reinvestment fund, providing for related matters including county payment for district court furnishings, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, and eliminating the sports tourism marketing program and fund, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 650.)

IA SF613

A bill for an act concerning the regulation and support of leisure activities, including by providing for gambling enforcement, license fees, tax rates, and the use of associated revenue, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism marketing and infrastructure program, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1157; See SF 625.)

IA SF650

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund and technology reinvestment fund, providing for related matters including county payment for district court furnishings, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, and eliminating the sports tourism marketing program and fund, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1238.)

IA SSB1106

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the economic development authority and the Iowa finance authority including the strategic infrastructure program, brownfield, grayfield, and redevelopment tax credits, community attraction and tourism, vision Iowa, sports tourism marketing, the historic preservation tax credit, homelessness, the title guaranty board, and arts and culture, and including applicability and retroactive applicability provisions.(See SF 465, SF 622, SF 642.)

IA SF465

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the economic development authority and the Iowa finance authority including the strategic infrastructure program, brownfield, grayfield, and redevelopment tax credits, community attraction and tourism, vision Iowa, sports tourism marketing, the historic preservation tax credit, homelessness, the title guaranty board, and arts and culture, and including applicability and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SSB 1106; See SF 622, SF 642.)

IA HSB221

A bill for an act relating to matters under the purview of the economic development authority and the Iowa finance authority including the strategic infrastructure program, brownfield, grayfield, and redevelopment tax credits, community attraction and tourism, vision Iowa, sports tourism marketing, the historic preservation tax credit, homelessness, the title guaranty board, and arts and culture, and including applicability and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 975.)

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