FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6574

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Senate Committee on Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: When the stadium and exhibition center was built in Seattle, now known as Century Link Field, one of the funding mechanisms for the financing of the construction was an admissions tax at the facility. King County may levy an admissions tax up to 10 percent on events at the facility. The revenues from the admissions tax go towards paying bonds on the construction of the stadium, and when the bonds are retired revenues may be used to pay for repair, reequipping, and capital improvements. The rate of the admissions tax currently imposed is 3.1 percent.

The city of Seattle currently has an admissions tax for entertainment or recreation events at the rate of 5 percent. However, the city is precluded from imposing its tax at Century Link Field.

During the 2012 football season, the University of Washington (UW) will play its home games at Century Link Field while Husky Stadium at the UW is going through renovation.

Summary: The city of Seattle is allowed to collect an admissions tax at Century Link Field during 2012 for college or university games that are played at that location due to the temporary closure of the facility owned by that college or university.

This city may impose a maximum admissions tax of 5 percent at these events, and the county may not impose an admissions tax at these events.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	36	11
House	96	2