Louisiana House Bill HB847

Louisiana 2018 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/18
• Refer: 4/4/18

Caption

Requires the governor to review all cooperative endeavors with the Saints and Pelicans and authorizes him to renegotiate the agreements

Impact

The introduction of HB 847 impacts the legal framework surrounding public contracts in Louisiana, specifically regarding state subsidies to sports franchises. By creating a structured review process for these agreements, the bill aims to promote greater fiscal responsibility. Should the bill be enacted, it could lead to modifications in how much financial support franchises receive from state resources, thereby affecting budget allocations and funding for other public services.

Summary

House Bill 847 mandates that the Governor of Louisiana review all cooperative endeavor agreements with the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans that were in effect as of July 1, 2018. The purpose of this bill is to allow the Governor to renegotiate these agreements to potentially reduce the direct and indirect state subsidies given to these professional sports franchises. This bill is viewed as a financial check, ensuring that taxpayer resources are managed more efficiently in light of economic conditions.

Sentiment

Sentiment towards HB 847 appears to be mixed among legislators and constituents. On one hand, supporters argue that it promotes responsibility by limiting unnecessary financial support to well-performing sports teams. On the other hand, critics express concerns that renegotiating these agreements might harm relationships with the franchises that could have economic impacts on the local communities, particularly those relying on events and tourism associated with the teams.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 847 include the debate over how much financial support is appropriate for professional sports teams in exchange for the economic activity they generate. Opponents of the bill worry that cutting subsidies might lead to a deterioration of the state's investment in sports infrastructure and the local economy. This tension reflects broader questions about the role of state funding in supporting entertainment and sports amidst pressing needs for funding in education, health, and public safety.