Summary.
The bill proposes that the Roberto Mariano Bula Stadium Board adopt rules governing the stadium’s operation, use, administration and maintenance, and establish its administrative structure. The board would preserve the facilities, including the playing field, stands and commercial areas. It could lease space for sporting and cultural events, manage its funds and contract with public and private entities to promote use of the stadium. It would also encourage children’s and youth baseball academies and training centers in the province of Colón, and conduct community activities on proper use and care of the facilities.
The board would include the director general of the Panamanian Sports Institute (Instituto Panameño de Deportes), the mayor of the District of Colón (Distrito de Colón), representatives of the Colón Provincial Baseball League and civic clubs in the province of Colón, the governor of that province, a member of its civil society, and the manager of the Colón Free Zone. Members who do not hold public office would be appointed for four years and could be reappointed for one additional term. Every member would appoint an alternate and serve without remuneration. The Board of Directors would elect its officers from among its members, and its president would act as legal representative. Upon its establishment, it would adopt internal rules covering administrative and technical matters. The bill lists the grounds on which members and alternates would cease to serve: expiration of their term, loss of affiliation with the entity they represent, express resignation, unjustified absence from more than 25 % of the ordinary meetings held in a year, a final conviction for an intentional offense, or total and permanent incapacity.
The board’s assets would comprise property it acquires or receives as donations; funding allocated by the Panamanian Sports Institute in its Operating and Investment Budget; subsidies, contributions, donations and bequests; and revenue from leases, food stall concessions, commissions on food and beverage sales, advertising, interest, investments, services and activities. The board would be exempt from taxes and levies. Contributions and donations from individuals or legal entities would be treated as deductible expenses for the donor’s income tax purposes under the Tax Code (Código Fiscal).
The implementing rules would include permanent programs to maintain and improve the facilities. The Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic (ContralorÍa General de la República) would audit state funds administered by the board. The board would submit an annual financial report within three months after the close of the fiscal period and limit administrative expenses to no more than 10% of those state funds. The Executive Branch would issue implementing regulations, and the proposed law would take effect on the day after its promulgation. Its provisions concern those public bodies and may interest or affect sports administration, youth baseball, civic clubs, event organizers, food and beverage businesses, advertisers and donors in the city of Colón.
What it proposes.
- Administration, use and maintenance of Roberto Mariano Bula Stadium.
- Membership, assets and operation of its board.
- Oversight of state funds and tax treatment of the board and its donors.
Who it would affect.
- The board, its members and alternates.
- Stadium users and event organizers.
- Donors, tenants and concession holders.
- Public bodies that provide or audit funds.
Key points.
- The board would manage and preserve the facilities, lease space for events, and promote children’s and youth baseball training.Art. 2
- Its membership would bring together public officials and sports, civic and civil society representatives; members would appoint alternates and serve without remuneration.Art. 3
- The Board of Directors would elect its officers and adopt internal rules; its president would be the legal representative.Art. 4
- The bill sets out the grounds on which members and their alternates would cease to serve.Art. 5
- The board’s assets would include property, budget allocations, contributions and revenue from stadium activities and operations.Art. 6
- The board would be exempt from taxes and levies, and donations would be deductible for donors under the Tax Code.Art. 7
- The implementing rules would include permanent programs to maintain and improve the facilities.Art. 8
- The Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic would audit state funds; the board would submit an annual report and limit administrative expenses to 10% of those funds.Art. 9