🔴Relating to the eligibility of the American Performance Horseman and the American Rodeo for funding under the major events reimbursement program.

HB 4396

🔴 HB 4396: State Reimbursements for Private Rodeo Events

What it says it does:
The bill expands the state’s Major Events Reimbursement Program to include the American Rodeo and the American Performance Horseman as “major events.” It says this will help Texas attract more visitors and boost tourism by reimbursing cities for event costs.

What it actually changes:
It writes two private companies, Teton Ridge Live Productions and Teton Ridge The American LLC, directly into state law as “site selection organizations.” That gives them the same legal standing as national sports leagues like the NFL or NCAA, allowing them to unlock state reimbursements for their events.

Who is pushing for it:
Supporters listed in the files include the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association, the Texas Travel Alliance, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Worth, Teton Ridge, and the Office of the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Division.

Who benefits:
Teton Ridge gains permanent eligibility to access taxpayer reimbursements for its rodeo events. Hotel and tourism industries gain more visitors and room nights. Host cities reduce their event costs using state funds.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Smaller Texas events that are not named in the law remain ineligible for reimbursement. Taxpayers fund these private reimbursements without new transparency or audit requirements. Local communities that do not host major events see no direct benefit.

Why this matters long term:
HB 4396 sets a precedent for naming private companies directly in statute. That opens the door for other promoters or industries to seek the same privilege. Each addition stretches the same pot of state funds, while oversight stays the same.

What to watch next:
Future sessions may expand the list of eligible events and companies. Without stronger limits or audit rules, more private entities could gain long-term access to taxpayer money through the same program.

Bottom line:
This bill shifts public funding power toward private entertainment promoters while leaving state oversight unchanged. It blurs the line between public economic development and corporate subsidy, creating a permanent carve out that benefits a few at the expense of many.

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