2008 House Bill 5690

Authorize regional Cobo Hall authority, extend taxes

Introduced in the House

Feb. 6, 2008

Introduced by Rep. Morris Hood (D-11)

To authorize the establishment of regional convention authorities that would own and manage facilities such as Cobo Hall, and any new facilities in certain communities. These authorities would have the power to borrow, take private property under eminent domain, and establish that sales within the convention facilities would be exempt from state sales tax.

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

June 26, 2008

Reported without amendment

Without amendment and with the recommendation that the bill pass.

Nov. 13, 2008

Substitute offered by Rep. Barbara Farrah (D-13)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that establishes specific provisions for a Cobo Hall authority.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Barbara Farrah (D-13)

To delete provisions specifying who would be on the Cobo Authority's board.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 60 to 41 (details)

To establish regional Cobo Hall authority. The bill would also establish some governance provisions, require the authority give preference to Detroit contractors, establish certain competitive bid requirements with exceptions, require the payment to Detroit of $20 million, and more. House Bill 5691 extends and increases Cobo Hall taxes, and authorizes borrowing.

Received in the Senate

Dec. 2, 2008

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism

Dec. 19, 2008

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (S-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.