Rangers Exemption May Be Added To GOP Tax Bill's Stadium Provision

The U.S. House of Representatives could vote as soon as today on the GOP's "sprawling tax revamp," and the legislation has "stirred the sports world with its focus on stadium financing." A provision in the bill would "prevent local governments from using tax-exempt municipal bonds to fund the building or renovation" of pro sports venues. But U.S. Rep Joe Barton (R-Texas) has proposed an "amendment to change the stadium provision by adding a narrow exemption" for the Rangers' new ballpark. House Republicans "aren't expected to make any amendments to their bill before it hits the floor," so any differences would "likely have to be worked out in a conference committee with the Senate" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 11/16).