Chair Alley opened the hearing on Sub for HB2346.

Staff provided a brief overview of the bill. (Attachment 5)

Warren R. Wilkinson, President and CEO, Visit Overland Park testified in support of the bill. (Attachment 6)  He said this bill is critical to Kansas's ability to compete for economically impactful sporting events.  What Kansas currently lacks is a dedicated sports tourism funding tool that allows our communities to compete on a level playing field with other states and that this bill represents a strategic economic development investment that will help keep tourism dollars in Kansas rather than sending them to surrounding states.

Scott Schneider, Kansas Restaurant and Hospitality Association testified in support of the bill. (Attachment 7)  He said tourism is a key economic driver in Kansas and sports tourism is one of the fastest-growing segments.  While transient guest taxes fund general infrastructure, direct investment in event attraction is essential to fill hotel rooms, support restaurants, and spur statewide growth.

Susie Santo, President and CEO, Visit Wichita testified in support of the bill. (Attachment 8)  She said sports tourism is no longer a "nice to have".  It is a highly competitive, revenue-generating economic development strategy.  Nationally, sports tourism is a $52 billion industry.  Today, 23 states have dedicated sports tourism grant programs to help communities attract and retain high-impact sporting events.  Kansas does not, and that absence is increasingly putting us at a competitive disadvantage. 

Written only proponent testimony was submitted by:

• Mickey Sandifer, Mayor, City of Shawnee (Attachment 9)
• Kelly Peetom, Vice President, Olathe Convention and Visitors Bureau (Attachment 10)
• Jason Ansley, Owner of Monster Games, LLC (Attachment 11)
• Shane DeWald, Executive Director, Blue Valley Recreation Commission (Attachment 12)
• Kevin Jenks, President and CEO, Wichita Sports Commission (Attachment 13)
• John David, President and CEO, Sports ETA (Attachment 14)
• Michelle Perry, President and CEO, Gamechangers Consulting (Attachment 15)
• Bob Dunlop, Senior Director, Events, US Figure Skating (Attachment 16)
• Anthony Holman, Vice President, NCAA (Attachment 17)
• Jim Sluyter, President and CEO, Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (Attachment 18)

Sean Dixon, Travel Industry Association of Kansas (TIAK) provided neutral testimony on the bill. (Attachment 19)  He said TIAK is neutral on this bill but would support the bill if amendments are made that prioritize new events in the state, provide flexible rural support and provide economic accountability. Included in his written testimony are the changes they recommend. 

Rachel Willis, Director Legislative Affairs, Kansas Department of Commerce provided neutral testimony on the bill. (Attachment 20)  She said the Division of Tourism respectfully requests several changes to enhance the grant program, allow it to be used to recruit new business to the state, and ensure it is supportive of events in smaller communities.  Included in her written testimony are the changes being recommended. 

Written only neutral testimony was submitted by Spencer Duncan, Government Affairs Director, League of Kansas Municipalities. (Attachment 21)

There was no opponent testimony.

Chair Alley closed the hearing on Sub for HB2346.