Creates the New York state amateur sports development advisory council

BILL NUMBER:S3425

Title of bill

An act to amend the economic development law, in relation to establishing the New York state amateur sports development advisory council

Summary of provisions

Section 1 adds a new Article 5-B-1 to the Economic Development Law entitled New York State Amateur Sports Development Advisory Council.

Section 172-a establishes the council.

1. It will be comprised of 18 members appointed by the Governor. Three members shall be appointed on the recommendation of the Temporary President of the Senate and three members shall be appointed on the recommendation of the Speaker of the Assembly. One member shall be appointed on the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate and one member shall be appointed on the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Assembly. 2. The council shall include representatives of organizations that sponsor amateur sports activities in the state. 3. Members shall receive no compensation, but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses. 4. The council shall meet at least five times per year, including no less than three times between January 1st and May 31st of each year. 5. Attendance requirements are set out for council members. 6. The Department of Economic Development shall provide necessary technical and staff assistance, and other departments shall also provide cooperation and assistance as reasonably requested.

Section 172-b sets forth the purposes of the council.

The council shall advise the Commissioner concerning amateur sports, link tourism resources to amateur sports promotion and serve as liaison between the state's amateur sports clubs and organizations and the commissioner in coordinating the design and implementation of the state's amateur sporting event promotion policies and programs.

Section 172-c sets forth the powers of the council.

Section 2 requires the Chair of the council to report on or before March 1st of the year next succeeding the initial convening of the council and annually thereafter.

Section 3 provides that the act shall take effect immediately.

Purpose and justification

The purpose of this bill is to promote amateur sports in New York on an organized and statewide basis. Amateur sports, whether through schools, clubs, leagues or otherwise, are an important economic, health and recreational asset. Organized competitions attract hundreds of competitors, often from across the country and indeed the world. As such, they are a valuable asset to the tourism industry and the state's economy. For most people, whether through school sports, teams or leagues, or individual participation, amateur athletics are the primary source for exercise and recreation. This bill will help promote amateur athletics by creating a council dedicated to promoting and publicizing the varied amateur athletic pursuits available now, as well as helping to provide new amateur athletic opportunities. The council can work with participants, schools, clubs, organizations and companies that provide venues for events, lodging, travel and transportation companies and local tourism organizations to bring these groups together. The council will help to make amateur athletics even more successful in New York State.

Existing law

New bill.

Prior legislative history

2007 - S.6197/A.9144 -- PASSED SENATE/Tourism 2008 - S.6197/A.9144 -- PASSED SENATE/Ways & Means 2010 - S.7019/A.6090 -- FINANCE/Passed Assembly

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.