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Delegation backs amended Bi‑County bill to enable immersive entertainment venue financing; emergency amendment, labor safeguards discussed
Summary
Delegates advanced an amendment to PG425/HB1247 to broaden tax increment financing to include a large "immersive entertainment venue" and to make the measure an emergency so it takes effect upon enactment; county officials said an earlier implementation window and assurances on labor and MBE commitments motivated the change and delegates pressed for written labor protections.
The Bi‑County committee briefed the Prince George's County House Delegation on PG425 / HB1247, legislation to expand the county's extraordinary development district definition for tax increment financing (TIF) to include an "immersive entertainment venue" and to permit the Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission to pledge certain tax revenues as security for bonds.
Counsel explained the venue definition would require a privately owned project of at least 3,000 seats or aggregate development cost of at least $500 million and immersive elements such as 4‑D visuals or spherical LED screens. An amendment from the county would make the bill an emergency measure by striking the June 1, 2026 effective date, so the measure would take effect on enactment if the required supermajority and gubernatorial signature are secured.
DeLandos Atkinson of the county executive's office told delegates the county sought the emergency amendment to create more lead time for the county council, procurement and negotiation processes: "We would prefer to have this go into effect as soon as it is signed and passed, to give more time ... to do some of the things that they need to do procedurally," he said. Delegates asked whether the change would undermine labor protections; several requested assurances on project labor agreements, MBE participation and clear risk assessments.
Sponsor delegates said they had received county assurances that labor partners would be engaged and that the county would pursue PLA and MBE commitments; some delegates asked that those promises be documented in writing. After a motion and second, the delegation approved the amendment and the amended bill by roll calls; members who explained votes emphasized the need for worker protections and local hiring commitments.
Next steps include coordination with Montgomery County (because of the bi‑county nature of the proposal), additional committee work, and follow‑up on labor and procurement safeguards before final implementation.
