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S 2179

Enacts the state and local government food waste prevention and diversion act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Parker

Authorizes the MA Convention Center Authority to sell naming/sponsorship rights to its assets, with 50/50 revenue split to tourism and cultural funds; initial RFP within 180 days.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
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Bill Summary · S 2179

Summary — S.2179 (Massachusetts)

Short title: An Act to sell naming rights to properties operated by the MCCA

Note on source materials: The provided metadata (title, committee referrals, and sponsors) appears inconsistent with the bill text. The bill text filed as Senate No. 2179 (filed 1/13/2025, presented by Sen. Mark C. Montigny) amends Chapter 195 of the Acts of 2014 to authorize the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) to sell naming and sponsorship rights. Other provided items (a different short title referencing food‑waste legislation, and a list of federal senators as sponsors) do not match the text below; this summary focuses on the actual bill language supplied.

Purpose and intent

Authorize the MCCA to market and sell naming and sponsorship rights for properties and assets it operates in order to maximize revenue earmarked for tourism and cultural programming in Massachusetts.

Key provisions

  • Adds Section 3A to Chapter 195 of the Acts of 2014, with these central elements:
    • The MCCA “shall issue a request for proposals” (RFP) to sell, license, or lease naming or sponsorship rights for MCCA-owned assets, including whole-building naming rights, facilities, parking garages, function rooms, public areas, and other assets.
    • Exception: The Authority is not required to issue RFPs for assets that were already named or under licensing/rental/sponsorship agreements as of December 31, 2024 — unless the sponsorship opportunity is located within a previously named asset.
    • Revenue allocation: All revenues generated under this section are to be split evenly (50/50) between:
    • The Massachusetts Tourism Trust Fund (chapter 23A, §13T), and
    • The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (chapter 23G, §42).
    • RFP period requirement: Each RFP must remain open for a minimum of 120 days.
  • Implementation timing: The Authority must issue the initial RFP required by this act within 180 days after enactment; it may issue subsequent RFPs as it deems necessary to maximize revenue.

Who is affected

  • Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA): gains explicit authority to market naming/sponsorship rights.
  • Potential corporate sponsors and private entities: eligible to bid on naming/sponsorship rights.
  • Tourism and cultural sectors: direct financial beneficiaries via the two designated funds.
  • Users and communities: venues could acquire corporate names/branding; communities may see changes in public venue identities.
  • Parties with existing naming/sponsorship contracts as of Dec. 31, 2024: generally unaffected by mandatory RFP requirement (unless the opportunity exists within an already named asset).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Revenue generation: Intended to create a new, recurring revenue stream for tourism and cultural programming.
  • Branding and public perception: Increased corporate naming could affect public use and perception of civic venues.
  • Procurement transparency: 120‑day minimum RFP window establishes a public solicitation period, but the bill does not specify evaluation criteria, contract lengths, or maximums on exclusivity.
  • Legal effect: The provision is written “notwithstanding any general or special law,” indicating it would preempt conflicting statutes.

Legislative status & timeline (as provided)

  • Bill text filed: 01/13/2025 (Senate Docket No. 388).
  • Reported actions include introduction and committee referrals; items provided show multiple referrals and a hearing scheduling (dates in early-mid 2025). The metadata contains conflicting entries (different titles, sponsors, and referral committees). The bill requires the MCCA to issue its initial RFP within 180 days after the act’s enactment.

If you want, I can:
- Draft plain‑language talking points for stakeholders (MCCA, cultural organizations, community groups), or
- Produce a brief legal checklist of issues to address in implementing regulations/contracts (term length, exclusivity, naming standards, conflict‑of‑interest, public notice).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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