BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1019

By: Patrick, Diane

Economic & Small Business Development

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, the state's major events trust fund program, overseen by the comptroller of public accounts, serves as a mechanism for the state to provide financial incentives to facilitate the efforts of cities and counties to host major events such as a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Final Four tournament game, an Olympic activity, or a World Cup Soccer game. The incentive money is repaid through the increased tax revenue that accompanies the respective events. However, while state law currently lists an NCAA Bowl Championship Series game as an event that is eligible for the trust fund, the event is in transition to a playoff system.  Interested parties note that in order for the event to continue to be eligible, current law should be changed to reflect a successor event to the series. 

H.B. 1019 seeks to ensure that the NCAA Bowl Championship Series continues to be eligible for the trust fund by including its successor event.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1019 amends Section 5A(a)(4), Chapter 1507 (S.B. 456), Acts of the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999 (Article 5190.14, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), to redefine "event," for purposes of determining which events are eligible for funding from the major events trust fund, to include a game of a successor to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Bowl Championship Series and a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision postseason playoff or championship game.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.