Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us). Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR	Beam		DATE TYPED	2/15/04		HB	370
SHORT TITLE		Bicycle Racing Commission Membership and Duties				SB
					ANALYST		Collard

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
			See Narrative

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Tourism Department

Department of Transportation

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 370 adds three ex-officio members to the Bicycle Racing Commission: the Secretary of Transportation or designee, the Secretary of Economic Development or designee, and the Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department or designee. The bill requires the commission meet at least quarterly. Additionally, the bill allows the commission to apply for available grants and accept and use gifts, grants or donations to aid in carrying out commission duties.

Further expanding the commission, the bill authorizes and bestows the following duties:

· License participants in bicycle racing at Keiren Velodrome;

· Supervise all licensees and all Keiren Velodrome races, race meets and racetracks operating under its jurisdiction;

· Set the time, place and duration of all Keiren Velodrome race meets under its jurisdiction;

· Suspend or revoke Keiren Velodrome licenses for violation of the law or rules of the commission;

· Visit and inspect all the places where Keiren Velodrome bicycle racing meets are held at least once a year;

· Require all pari-mutuel bicycle-racing meets in this state to be held at Keiren Velodrome bicycle-racing tracks;

· Supervise the operations of pari-mutuel machines and equipment and the operation of all money rooms, accounting rooms and seller’s and cashiers windows; supervise the weighing and inspection of events;

· Test saliva and urine on bicycle racers;

· Actively encourage and promote the hosting of bicycle events;

· Promote programs and facilities for the safe use of bicycles;

· Advise appropriate agencies of the state on policies, programs and facilities for promoting bicycle events and for the safe use of bicycles; and

· Confer and consult with local government agencies on the policies, programs and facilities for promoting bicycle events and for the safe use of bicycles.

Finally, the bill sets standards for enforcement and investigations by the commission, as well as the commission’s licensing and fee gathering procedures in Keiren Velodrome events and sets standards for the commission rules on the Keiren Velodrome and allows the commission to hire an executive director.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Although there is no appropriation associated with this bill, the Tourism Department notes there is great potential for increasing state revenues through marketing efforts targeted toward attracting competitive athletes in bicycling. Large-scale competitions would not only bring media attention to the state, they would also attract out of state visitors and increase help grow the tourism industry in the state.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Tourism Department notes a seat on the Bicycle Racing Commission would facilitate the department’s marketing efforts by ensuring that collaborative endeavors and communications are conducted in an efficient manner.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The Department of Transportation notes the definition of “bicycle racing” contained in this bill implies that any and all cycling events conducted in New Mexico, regardless of the presence or absence of gambling, will be subject to the requirements for licensure by the commission. The department recommends amending the proposed definition of bicycle racing to: “B. “bicycle racing” means racing at Keiren velodrome bicycle-racing tracks approved by the commission and all other forms of cycling timed, competitive cycle events, including road, mountain, BMX and cyclo-cross;”

Additionally, the Department of Transportation notes, provisions for the call of meetings by “… any four members of the commission” may be in conflict with the provision that establishes half of the commission’s members as “ex-officio”.

The department indicates establishment of a commission with six members may lead to deadlock votes and recommends the number of members on the bicycle racing commission at an odd number in order to avoid dead-lock votes.

The bill, if passed as proposed, would result in three agencies of the state being simultaneously involved in promoting, consulting, encouraging, and advising on policies, programs, facilities and use of bicycles.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The Tourism Department notes the adventure travel sector of the tourism industry is on the rise. The largest percent increase in visitor activities in the state of New Mexico from 2001 to 2002 was found in the outdoor recreation sector (2002 TravelScope). Due to the diverse crossover interests shared between outdoor-recreationalists and adventure athletes, there are many opportunities for transcendental marketing efforts that would appeal to the broad base of visitor’s that seek to enjoy nature as well as participate in organized competitions. The development of organized bicycle competitions, and corresponding facilities, would give way to vast marketing potential in promoting New Mexico as a prime location for competitive training due to its high altitude, diverse topography, and competition opportunities.

KBC/yr