Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF2419

Introduced
3/28/24  

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.(Formerly SF 2394.)

Impact

This bill modifies existing sports tourism marketing and infrastructure programs, effectively redirecting resources and financing strategies to better support major events within the state. It mandates that the Economic Development Authority will evaluate applications based on criteria such as economic impact, visitor attraction potential, advertising exposure, and the public-to-private investment ratio. These resources are expected to bolster Iowa's position as a desirable location for hosting significant events.

Summary

Senate File 2419 establishes the Iowa Major Events and Tourism Program along with an associated fund to promote economic development through conventions, festivals, and major sporting events. The bill aims to provide financial assistance to Iowa-based nonprofit organizations that support events which generate substantial public interest and economic impact. The assistance will cover costs related to applying for, planning, and conducting these events, thus encouraging local economies to benefit from increased tourism and public exposure.

Contention

A notable point of contention within SF2419 revolves around the eligibility requirements for funding. Entities must provide matching funds equivalent to at least 50 percent of the financial assistance awarded, ensuring commitment to the events. Furthermore, the bill has faced scrutiny regarding the repeal of previous programs focused on sports tourism marketing, with some stakeholders expressing concerns about how these changes might affect ongoing initiatives and logistical support for smaller events that may not meet the new thresholds for financial assistance.

Companion Bills

IA SF2394

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.(See SF 2419.)

Previously Filed As

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 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 SF2394

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.)

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 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 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 SF660

A bill for an act relating to sports wagering and tourism, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1240.) Effective date: 06/11/2025, 07/01/2025.

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 SF622

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, arts and culture, and the Iowa reinvestment Act and including applicability and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly SF 465, SSB 1106; See SF 642.)

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