Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF621

Introduced
4/9/25  

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.(See SF 640.)

Impact

The legislation is significant as it modifies the existing sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program. By consolidating funding efforts into the new Iowa major events and tourism fund, the bill aims to streamline financial support for events that promise measurable economic impacts. The appropriation of $15 million from the sports wagering receipts fund for this purpose indicates a strong legislative commitment to enhancing Iowa's appeal as a destination for major events.

Summary

Senate File 621 establishes the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund aimed at boosting economic development by providing financial assistance for hosting large-scale events in Iowa. The bill defines eligible entities as nonprofit organizations that seek to promote events generating significant public attendance and publicity, thereby fostering economic growth within the state. The events covered include athletic contests, conventions, and artistic festivals, marking a deliberate focus on enhancing Iowa's tourism profile.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its potential economic benefits, there may be concerns regarding the limited eligibility for financial assistance. Entities need to provide matching funds, which could discourage smaller organizations from applying. Additionally, the elimination of the sports tourism marketing program has raised questions about the continuing support for smaller scale local sporting events as funding becomes concentrated on larger initiatives.

Companion Bills

IA SF640

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.(Formerly SF 621.)

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 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 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 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 SF404

A bill for an act creating the Iowa tourism advertising fund, and making appropriations.

IA SSB1106

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.(See SF 465, SF 622, SF 642.)

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.)

IA HB648

Tourism; creates a grant program for boosting state tourism economies affected by global trade disruptions and foreign travel slowdowns; creates a competitive grant program to fund tourism-related infrastructure projects; creates international and domestic marketing campaigns; establishes the Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring Council

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.