BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3339

By: Meyer

Culture, Recreation & Tourism

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The major events reimbursement program is an incentive program administered by the governor's Economic Development and Tourism Office to help attract major events to Texas. Qualifying events eligible for reimbursement under the program must be specifically spelled out in statute for a municipality, county, or local organizing committee to be eligible to be reimbursed for qualified expenses associated with conducting events, if all statutory requirements are met. There have been calls to use this program to incentivize professional golfing associations to hold their tournaments in the state. H.B. 3339 seeks to heed these calls by making certain golf events eligible for funding under the program.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 3339 amends the Government Code to make the following eligible for funding under the major events reimbursement program:

· the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Championship tournament;

· the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Championship;

· the Ryder Cup; and

· the Senior Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Championship.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2021.