CS for SB 2540 - Professional Sports Franchises

• Creates new section 288.11621 establishing separate certification and funding program for spring training baseball franchises, with up to 10 total certifications allowed at any time and maximum $41,667 monthly per applicant (aggregate cap of $416,670 monthly).

• Requires spring training franchise agreements to be for at least 20 years with franchise reimbursement to state if relocation occurs, and applicants must provide 50% local matching funds for facility acquisition, construction, or renovation.

• Establishes decertification process for non-compliance, with special protection delaying decertification for local governments certified before July 1, 2010 if actively negotiating with new major league franchise; decertified applicants must repay unencumbered state funds plus interest within 60 days.

• Removes detailed spring training franchise provisions from section 288.1162 (which continues to cover new and retained professional sports franchises) and transfers spring training oversight to new section 288.11621 with competitive evaluation criteria emphasizing economic impact and local matching funds.

• Authorizes Auditor General to conduct audits of fund expenditures and requires notification to Department of Revenue if funds not used as required; allows direct-support organizations to assist in retention of professional sports franchises including spring training operations.