Bill 469.

Summary.

The bill establishes a framework for state financial support to formally established carnival associations and boards in districts and corregimientos (districts) of the Republic of Panama where carnival is recognized and celebrated. It links that support to promoting and preserving the celebration as cultural heritage, a driver of regional economic activity, and a tourism export product. It defines eligible organizations as nonprofit community bodies with legal personality recognized by the State that plan, organize, and carry out carnival activities in their localities. Their activities include promoting culture, recreation, tourism, and folklore.

The Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo), acting through the Tourism Authority (Autoridad de Turismo), would be required to include a specific allocation each year in the General State Budget to support legally established and state-recognized carnival associations and boards in the interior of the country, Gatuncillo, Taboga, and Chepo. The amount for each organization would be determined according to the celebration’s history and track record, its cultural and tourism impact, the estimated number of visitors, organizational capacity, and compliance with applicable rules. Transparency in accounting for previous years and proper use of funds when managing state resources would also be considered.

Allocated resources would have to be used exclusively for activities directly connected with organizing Carnival. The bill lists logistics, security, promotion, decoration, stages, performers, parade groups, and carnival musical groups, along with other duly substantiated expenses. Beneficiary organizations would have to submit detailed financial reports and proof of expenditure to the Tourism Authority of Panama (Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá) within 60 days after the activities of the four (4) carnival days end. This obligation would document how the resources received were spent on the activities covered by the bill.

The Tourism Authority of Panama could coordinate with carnival associations and boards and with other entities to strengthen the promotion and organization of carnivals. The State could also promote public-private partnerships and facilitate private-sector participation through incentives to sponsor and support carnival activities. The Executive Branch would issue implementing regulations within no more than 90 calendar days after promulgation; the proposed law would take effect upon promulgation.

The bill concerns the Executive Branch, the Tourism Authority, and the Tourism Authority of Panama, as well as carnival organizations in the interior of the country, Gatuncillo, Taboga, and Chepo, within the Republic of Panama. Its provisions could also be of interest to the tourism, culture, recreation, event organization, and private sponsorship sectors.