CS for CS for CS for SB 502 - Public Fairs and Expositions

• Establishes a new term "annual public fair" as a community, county, district, regional, or state fair held and conducted by a fair association with a department permit, and defines "concession" as fair association use or licensing of property for rides, games, food, exhibits, and other authorized purposes.

• Allows fair associations to file their charters with the Department of State in addition to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and requires amendments to be filed with the Department of State if charter was filed there.

• Requires fair associations to hold an annual public fair and prohibits conducting more than one annual public fair per calendar year; establishes that fair associations are noncommercial activity providers.

• Clarifies that projects, activities, events, programs, and uses authorized under the fair association statutes serve an essential governmental purpose and are exempt from taxation, excluding taxes under chapter 212 (sales and use tax).

• Authorizes the Department of Transportation and other state agencies, counties, and municipalities to make contributions and expenditures for public fair and exposition projects; allows fair associations to grant leases, licenses, or rent space for exhibits and concessions.