BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.B. 1718 89R8516 PRL-D By: Sparks Economic Development 4/4/2025 As Filed AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT The National Rifle Association (NRA) holds an annual meeting that attracts tens of thousands of attendees. It brings significant spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local businesses. The increased spending generates more sales tax revenue for the state and local governments. It also creates temporary jobs in hospitality, security, event planning, and other industries. The attendance numbers at the last three NRA Annual Meetings held in Texas: 87,154 (Dallas 2018), 61,254 (Houston 2022), and 70,127 (Dallas 2024). This is one of the largestif not the largestmembership association annual meetings in the country. As a point of comparison, the National Association of Realtors annual meeting attendance is approximately 15,000; the American Medical Association 26,500. It rivals attendance at most national and international trade shows as well. The Houston 2022 Annual Meeting had an economic impact of $23,195,175. Dallas did not report EI numbers for the 2018 or 2024 meeting, but as a point of comparison, we had 13,131 room nights in Houston in 2022 and 14,357 room nights in Dallas in 2024. Including the NRA Annual Convention in the Texas Major Events Reimbursement Fund would reinforce Texas' pro-second Amendment reputation, boost the economy, and enhance the state's reputation as a business-friendly destinationparticularly for industries related to firearms, hunting, and outdoor sports. As proposed, S.B. 1718 amends current law relating to the eligibility of the National Rifle Association's Annual Meetings and Exhibits or another annual event of the National Rifle Association for funding under the major events reimbursement program. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Section 478.0001(3) and (7), Government Code, as follows: (3) Provides that "event" means and includes any activity related to or associated with certain events, including the National Rifle Association's Annual Meetings and Exhibits or another annual event of the National Rifle Association. (7) Provides that "site selection organization" means certain entities, including the National Rifle Association of America. SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.
BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center S.B. 1718
89R8516 PRL-D By: Sparks
Economic Development
4/4/2025
As Filed
Senate Research Center
S.B. 1718
89R8516 PRL-D
By: Sparks
Economic Development
4/4/2025
As Filed
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
The National Rifle Association (NRA) holds an annual meeting that attracts tens of thousands of attendees. It brings significant spending on hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local businesses. The increased spending generates more sales tax revenue for the state and local governments. It also creates temporary jobs in hospitality, security, event planning, and other industries.
The attendance numbers at the last three NRA Annual Meetings held in Texas: 87,154 (Dallas 2018), 61,254 (Houston 2022), and 70,127 (Dallas 2024). This is one of the largestif not the largestmembership association annual meetings in the country. As a point of comparison, the National Association of Realtors annual meeting attendance is approximately 15,000; the American Medical Association 26,500. It rivals attendance at most national and international trade shows as well.
The Houston 2022 Annual Meeting had an economic impact of $23,195,175. Dallas did not report EI numbers for the 2018 or 2024 meeting, but as a point of comparison, we had 13,131 room nights in Houston in 2022 and 14,357 room nights in Dallas in 2024.
Including the NRA Annual Convention in the Texas Major Events Reimbursement Fund would reinforce Texas' pro-second Amendment reputation, boost the economy, and enhance the state's reputation as a business-friendly destinationparticularly for industries related to firearms, hunting, and outdoor sports.
As proposed, S.B. 1718 amends current law relating to the eligibility of the National Rifle Association's Annual Meetings and Exhibits or another annual event of the National Rifle Association for funding under the major events reimbursement program.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 478.0001(3) and (7), Government Code, as follows:
(3) Provides that "event" means and includes any activity related to or associated with certain events, including the National Rifle Association's Annual Meetings and Exhibits or another annual event of the National Rifle Association.
(7) Provides that "site selection organization" means certain entities, including the National Rifle Association of America.
SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2025.