SHB 2192 - H AMD to H AMD (H-3313.2/97) 721

By Representative Carlson

On page 26, after line 34 of the striking amendment, insert:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 223. A new section is added to chapter 67.24 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The definitions in this subsection apply to this section.

(a) "Professional athlete" means a person who is employed or otherwise compensated to participate in a sporting event. "Professional athlete" does not include a student athlete.

(b) "Sporting event" means any game, contest, exhibition, or program of baseball, football, hockey, polo, tennis, horse race, basketball, golf, or similar activity.

(c) "Student athlete" means a person who engages in, is eligible to engage in, or may be eligible to engage in any intercollegiate sporting event. The term also includes an individual who has applied for enrollment to an institution of higher education. A person ceases to be a "student athlete" as soon as his or her collegiate eligibility in the sport has expired.

(2) An annual fee is imposed on each professional athlete for the privilege of engaging in any sporting event in this state. The fee is five hundred dollars, and shall be paid to the director of licensing not later than the day of the first sporting event in which the athlete participates during the year. One half of fees collected under this section shall be deposited in the stadium and exhibition center account under section 213 of this act. The remainder of the fees shall be deposited in the state general fund.

(3) It is a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW for a professional athlete to participate in a sporting event in this state without having paid the fee required under this section for the year in which the sporting event occurs."

Renumber sections consecutively, correct any internal references accordingly, and correct the title.