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Senator proposes state contribution for state fair security, capped building support and temporary repeal or exception to statute
Summary
Senator Thomas proposed funding the full insurance premiums and up to 75% of a capped building security/building appropriation — with a $900,000 cap on state support — and recommended repealing or granting a one-time exception to statutory language that requires facility operations to be funded by state fair association funds.
Senator Thomas told the Appropriations - Education and Environment Division he recommends the state pay full premiums (as previously discussed), appropriate $1,000,000 for security and contribute toward a building cost up to a stated maximum. He proposed that the state’s maximum contribution for building costs be capped at $900,000, and that the state pay up to 75 percent of that $900,000; if the project exceeds that cap, the local fair authority would need to provide additional funding.
Thomas also said the committee should include a repeal or temporary exception to "section 4.145 dash 22.1" in the bill language. He read the statutory language as requiring that facility operation and maintenance costs other than those resulting from natural disaster be funded by state fair association funds, and suggested either a one‑time exception or targeted language to allow a state appropriation for the current project.
The senator asked committee counsel to verify whether an exception provision would suffice instead of a full repeal; counsel said she would check and report back. Committee members discussed whether to craft an "notwithstanding" clause for a one‑time appropriation rather than repealing the statute entirely.
Committee members indicated they would seek clarification on whether the security items and radios qualify under the intended appropriation language and that they would move the matter forward for further consideration; no final appropriation or statutory change was adopted during the hearing.
