HB 1353

Abstract

Virginia Football Stadium Authority. Establishes the Virginia Football Stadium Authority as a political subdivision charged with financing the construction of a football stadium and related facilities. The Authority is authorized to hire independent contractors, enter contracts, acquire property, borrow money, and exercise other similar powers. The Authority is exempt from the Personnel Act and the Public Procurement Act.The Authority may issue bonds with a maximum maturity date of 20 years. The bill provides that at least 50 percent of any revenues received from selling the naming rights to the stadium shall be dedicated to the principal and financing costs of any bonds issued under the bill and provides that if the football team that will primarily use the stadium (the primary team) relocates, it shall be required to repay any outstanding principal and financing costs.The bill entitles the Authority to sales tax revenues from transactions at the stadium but excludes certain revenues that current law dedicates to transportation and education. The entitlement begins on the stadium's operational date. The bill enables localities to appropriate tax revenues to the Authority.The Authority is made up of nine members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by the General Assembly. Four of the nine members are appointed from a list chosen by the primary team. The provisions of the bill expire if the Authority has not entered into a development and lease agreement with the primary team before July 1, 2025.