Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF640

Introduced
4/23/25  

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.(Formerly SF 621.)

Impact

The bill is framed as a crucial component for economic development in Iowa, facilitating the attraction of notable tourism-oriented events, such as sporting contests, conventions, and festivals. By establishing a fund dedicated to these initiatives with an appropriation of $15 million for the fiscal year 2025-2026, the state aims to bolster its economy, create jobs, and increase visitor spending, thereby stimulating local economies. Entities receiving funds are also required to contribute matching funds to ensure shared investment in such projects.

Summary

Senate File 640 aims to establish the Iowa Major Events and Tourism Program and Fund, providing financial assistance for events that can generate significant attendance and publicity within the state. This bill modifies the existing sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program and outlines specific eligibility criteria for entities looking to receive funding. Under the proposed legislation, entities must demonstrate their involvement in the event bidding process, as well as submit an economic analysis regarding projected attendance and occupancy rates for hotels and motels during events.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its potential to enhance Iowa's profile as a desirable location for major events, there are concerns regarding the repeal of the existing sports tourism marketing program. Critics argue that this could reduce awareness and promotion of Iowa as an event host, potentially limiting the number of events that could have beneficial economic impacts. Furthermore, there are ongoing discussions about the long-term sustainability of funding, as clear metrics for success in attracting substantial events have not been firmly established.

Companion Bills

IA SF621

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.(See SF 640.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF621

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.)

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 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 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 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 SF660

A bill for an act relating to sports wagering and tourism, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1240.) Effective date: 06/11/2025, 07/01/2025.

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 SF642

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 622, SF 465, SSB 1106.)

IA SF404

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

IA SF2484

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund, technology reinvestment fund, and renewable fuel infrastructure fund, providing for related matters including financial assistance eligibility for regional sports authority districts, department of health and human services information technology systems, the railway tracks overpass and underpass fund, and eligibility for entities to receive financial assistance from both the Iowa major events and tourism fund and the sports tourism infrastructure program, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 3187.) Effective date: Enactment, 07/01/2026

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.