SF 309: Authorizing cities to establish self-supported entertainment areas

What it does

This bill authorizes cities to establish entertainment areas and to impose an entertainment surcharge within the area. Under the bill, following the filing of a petition for the establishment of an entertainment area (area) and holding a public hearing, a city may establish an area by ordinance for the purpose of imposing an entertainment surcharge (surcharge). The proposed area must meet all of the following requirements: (1) the combined attendance at cultural or entertainment establishments, food establishments, liquor establishments, and lodging providers within the proposed area exceeded 250,000 persons during the previous calendar year, or the expected attendance forecast at such establishments is expected to exceed 250,000 persons per calendar year within two years; (2) the area consists of contiguous parcels wholly within the boundaries of the city and does not exceed acres; (3) the area does not include the entire incorporated area of the city; (4) the area consists only of properties zoned for commercial uses or properties within a designated historic district, and at least percent of the properties must be cultural or entertainment establishments, food establishments, liquor establishments, or lodging providers; (5) the area must be comprised of property related in some manner; and (6) the area must be given a descriptive name.

Senate subcommittee · named February 21, 2023

• Sen. Scott Webster (R) · scott.webster@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Jesse Green (R) · jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Janice Weiner (D) · janice.weiner@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 12 for, 3 against

For: American Planning Association Iowa Chapter; City of Des Moines; City of Waukee; City of West Des Moines; Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce; Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce; Grow Cedar Valley; Iowa Chamber Alliance; Iowa League of Cities; Iowa Travel Industry Partners; Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce; Metropolitan Coalition

Against: Iowa Hotel & Lodging Association; Iowa Restaurant Association; Iowans for Tax Relief

In plain words

1. February 15, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Local Government committee
2. February 21, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Webster, Green and Weiner
3. February 22, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it with changes