HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 ESSB 5914

                 As Passed House - Amended:

                       April 13, 1995

Title:  An act relating to financing of public stadium, convention, performing arts, visual arts, and other tourism facilities.

Brief Description:  Financing public stadium, convention, performing arts, visual arts, and other tourism facilities.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Prentice, Heavey, Deccio and Finkbeiner).

Brief History:

  Committee Activity:

Trade & Economic Development:  3/27/95, 3/30/95 [DPA].

Floor Activity:

Amended.

Passed House:  4/13/95, 89-7.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  Signed by 11 members:  Representatives Van Luven, Chairman; Radcliff, Vice Chairman; D. Schmidt, Vice Chairman; Sheldon, Ranking Minority Member; Backlund; Ballasiotes; Hatfield; Mason; Sherstad; Skinner and Valle.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  Signed by 1 member:  Representative Hickel.

Staff:  Kenny Pittman (786-7392).

Background:    Cities, towns, and counties may impose an admissions tax of up to 1 cent per 20 cents of price (i.e., 5 percent).  Counties may not impose the tax within a city or town if the city or town has an admissions tax.  Since Seattle has an admissions tax, King County does not get any admissions tax revenue from Kingdome events.

Summary of Bill:  A county with a population of one million or more may collect a 2.5 percent admissions tax on events in stadiums that are owned by the county and have seating capacities over 45,000.  A city, located in a county with a population of one million or more, may collect a 2.5 percent admission tax on events in stadiums that are owned by the county and have seating capacities over 45,000.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested for amended bill.

Effective Date of Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  (Original Bill):  The bill will provide the necessary revenue to refinance the emergency loans that King County has to obtain to fix the roof of the Kingdome.  Activities and events at the Kingdome generate revenue for the entire state.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  (Pro) Chuck Mize, King County.