PRINTER'S NO. 2055
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE RESOLUTION
No.
378
Session of
2020
INTRODUCED BY KILLION, COSTA, FARNESE, MENSCH AND STEFANO,
OCTOBER 2, 2020
REFERRED TO RULES AND EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS, OCTOBER 2, 2020
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to
conduct a study regarding the opportunities for economic
growth of Esports in this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, Esports is expected to grow 60% globally from 2018
through 2023; and
WHEREAS, Estimates show that 40% of the global Esports
viewership will come from the United States, highlighting the
rapid growth of the industry's popularity in this country; and
WHEREAS, According to the Pennsylvania Esports Coalition (PA
ESC), Esports already provides significant opportunities for
economic growth in this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, The PA ESC reports that across this Commonwealth
Esports is connecting the remarkable economic benefits of this
global sport to Pennsylvania's economic future through
successful professional franchises and athletes, technological
innovation and development and emerging varsity Esports programs
at colleges and universities, which are boosting enrollment and
recruitment prospects; and
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WHEREAS, Pennsylvania will see an increase in demand upon
technology infrastructure, traditional gaming, job training,
higher education curriculum and economic development related to
the growth of Esports; and
WHEREAS, As this emerging and rapidly growing industry
evolves, the Commonwealth must study the many aspects of the
industry that will be subject to existing laws or regulatory
structures and evaluate if the Commonwealth's current framework
related to taxation, regulation, consumer protection and
community safety, and any other way in which the Commonwealth
may interact with this industry, adequately contemplate the way
in which Esports will operate in this Commonwealth and evaluate
what steps can be taken to help foster the industry's growth
while also protecting the interests of Commonwealth residents;
and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth has the opportunity to
strategically invest in Esports-related infrastructure,
workforce development and business operations-related
investments; and
WHEREAS, Prior to making such investments, the Commonwealth
should study which type of Commonwealth investments would yield
the greatest qualitative and quantitative return for
Commonwealth residents; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has demonstrated success and commitment
to the Esports industry; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania has suffered an unprecedented economic
hardship during the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, New businesses are forming and existing models are
adapting to incorporate Esports; and
WHEREAS, Esports impacts higher education and future
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technology development; and
WHEREAS, Future tax base definitions may be challenged in a
new post-COVID economy; and
WHEREAS, The Senate is planning ahead to grow Pennsylvania's
economy on a long-term outlook; and
WHEREAS, The Senate is seeking input to create opportunity
from a comprehensive evaluation of this large and fast-growing
industry; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate direct the Legislative Budget and
Finance Committee to lead a comprehensive evaluation of the
issues expressed in this resolution, in consultation with the
Community, Economic and Recreational Committee of the Senate;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
produce a comprehensive report on the issues raised in this
resolution; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
report shall include:
(1) an overview of the recent growth of Esports and the
creation of new businesses directly and indirectly related to
Esports;
(2) the potential opportunities for State government to
invest in and grow Esports in Pennsylvania;
(3) an accounting for the recent economic downturns that
growth in Esports could mitigate, such as future tax revenue,
future private sector investment and higher education
enrollment;
(4) recommendations on what existing Commonwealth laws
and regulations should be revised to help foster growth of
the industry and ensure proper governance and oversight;
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(5) an overview of what infrastructure resources are
most critical for the future growth of the Esports sector;
(6) a discussion of what workforce training programs
will be required to help foster the growth of the Esports
industry;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee
shall submit the report to the General Assembly and the Governor
no later than May 1, 2021.
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