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Appropriations panel advances State Fair funding with campground and security add-ons
Summary
The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division approved amendments to Senate Bill 2009 that add one-time and ongoing funding for a campground rest facility and $1 million for security improvements at the State Fairgrounds; the amendment passed 4-1 and the bill as amended was advanced by the committee.
The Appropriations - Education and Environment Division voted to advance Senate Bill 2009 as amended, adding funding for a campground rest facility and security upgrades at the State Fairgrounds.
The amendment preserved existing prize/premium funding of $642,833 and added two new line items: up to $900,000 (state share capped at 75% of cost) for a campground rest facility in the east parking area of the fairgrounds, and $1,000,000 for security and safety investments at the fairgrounds, bringing a stated appropriation increase of $1,900,000 and a total appropriation of $2,542,833 as described to the committee.
Senator Thomas, who reviewed the changes for the committee, said, "the premium dollars stay the same as the previous session, dollars 642,833," and described the campground item and the security measure as the two principal additions. He told members the security item was intended primarily for lighting, cameras and radio systems.
Committee members raised procedural and policy questions about a separate statutory exemption affecting State Fair facility operations and maintenance created in 2017. One member noted that the draft amendment would create an exception to that provision or otherwise revise it; the committee discussion did not include legislative history beyond the year 2017. A committee member urged caution about creating an exception to a longstanding provision, calling the proposed state share for a community amenity "too much," though that member said he supported the concept and would move to advance the item for further consideration.
A short exchange addressed whether unmanned aircraft systems (drones) might be used to support fairground security; Senator Meyer asked about the possibility, and Senator Thomas said he would consult with the assistant state fair manager and head of security about options, including cooperation with agencies that already operate drones.
On procedure, Senator Thomas moved the amendment to Senate Bill 2009; the motion was seconded and the amendment passed on a roll call 4–1. The committee then moved Senate Bill 2009 as amended for a due-pass recommendation; that motion carried on a roll call reported in committee as 4–0–1. Senator Thomas indicated he would carry the bill forward to the next step.
The committee did not fully resolve the Century Code exemption question during this meeting; members asked staff to provide legislative history and the drafter to prepare amendment language for future consideration. The bill will proceed with the approved amendment to subsequent committee or floor consideration.
