Ways and Means committee adopts amendment adding WNBA to marquee-event tax exemption; bill passes 22-0

The Ways and Means Committee approved an amendment to Senate Bill 314 on a strip-and-insert motion that replaces the bill's prior language with tax-exemption language intended to make the WNBA and its affiliates eligible for the state's marquee-event tax exemption program.

The change was presented by Representative Todd Snow, the bill sponsor. "3 14 has the language that adds the WNBA and its affiliates as eligible entities under the code to allow for the WNBA all star game to take advantage of the same state tax exemptions," Snow said during his presentation, adding that officials want the change in place before ticket sales begin for the July 19 event.

Committee members moved to adopt the strip-and-insert by consent. After a brief procedural exchange the committee called the roll and the bill passed out of committee by a 22-0 recorded vote with one member excused.

Why it matters: lawmakers and proponents said the measure simply places the WNBA All-Star Game in the same tax category as other large events that state leaders say produce significant economic activity, such as the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four. Supporters argued the expedited timeline required using SB 314 rather than waiting on another vehicle in the calendar so the event could finalize ticketing and logistics.

Representative Snow asked for the committee's support and the committee acted on the motion by unanimous roll call. There was no substantive debate recorded on the measure beyond the sponsor's presentation and procedural confirmation that the paperwork for the strip-and-insert had been completed.

What's next: With the committee vote recorded 22-0, SB 314 as amended was forwarded from committee. The transcript does not record a subsequent floor action in this hearing.

Quotes in this article are taken directly from the meeting transcript and are attributed to the speakers who made them.