Committee debates bill to require free potable water options at places of entertainment; adopts amendment and lays bill over

The Minnesota House Commerce Committee on March 19 considered House File 695, from Rep. Vicky Finke, which would require ‘‘places of entertainment’’ — defined in statute to include amphitheaters, arenas, stadiums, museums and similar venues — to provide potable water free of charge by choosing one of several options in the bill’s language.

Representative Finke said the legislation is intended to ensure fans and attendees at large, often warm-weather events have access to water without paying premium concession prices. ‘‘House file 695 is a bill that allows people to have water, for free,’’ she said, and described three compliance options venues could adopt.

The committee adopted an A1 amendment offered by the author that revised and clarified the bill’s language — including provisions about allowable container types and limits on vessel size to address safety and security concerns — by voice vote.

The hearing drew extended discussion from venue operators, universities and lawmakers. Joel Carlson, who represents Minnesota United and works with Live Nation, said many venues already provide refill stations and that venues need clarity and consistency about allowable containers. He urged flexibility for contract requirements and artist provisions that may limit what patrons can bring. “Our clients provide water at their venues,” Carlson said, but added venues want the ability to limit refillable containers to clear, transparent bottles and to honor contractual restrictions from performers.

Adam Yust of the University of Minnesota noted situations where contract or art-protection rules limit bottles inside performance or gallery spaces, and asked for clarifying language for museums and indoor performance venues. Several committee members raised concerns about vague scope, unintended burdens on small or volunteer-run events, and whether costs would be passed to consumers. Nonpartisan staff explained the statutory definition of ‘‘place of entertainment’’ (examples include amphitheaters, theaters, stadiums, arenas, racetracks, museums and amusement parks) and said movie theaters are excluded.

Representative Finke said the bill allows venues to adopt event-specific security policies and reiterated the bill’s aim: to prevent heat-related illness and reduce the economic burden of high concession prices at large events. After roughly an hour and a half of questions and debate, the committee laid House File 695 over for possible omnibus inclusion; the author said she would continue to work with colleagues and stakeholders on clarifications.

No committee roll-call votes were recorded; amendment adoption and the layover were handled by voice votes.