FORT MILL, S.C. — A bill giving the Carolina Panthers a $120 million tax break to move the team's practice facility across state lines stalled Thursday.
South Carolina State Senator Dick Harpootlian delayed the Senate's debate, saying he wants proof that the move will make a positive impact on the state.
South Carolina senators were expected to debate a proposal Wednesday that would offer professional sports teams millions in tax incentives.
[McMaster: 'Unified effort' to bring new Panthers practice facility to SC]
The House passed a bill Tuesday that allows the state to offer $115 million in tax breaks over 15 years.
The bill would qualify the team for incentives they wouldn't be eligible for under current laws because football players don't practice enough hours to be considered full-time employees in the state.
If passed by the Senate, the bill could go to the governor's desk within the next week.
Two weeks ago, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper met with Gov. Henry McMaster and lawmakers to talk about moving the team's practice field to South Carolina.
The Panthers are pledging 150 new jobs and $150 million investment to the state with the move.
Tepper wants to build a world-class practice field, team offices, a sports medicine hospital, shops and restaurants.
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"South Carolina wins when the Panthers come to South Carolina and have their headquarters here," said Rep. Gary Simrill.
The incentive is a big reason why the team is considering moving across state lines, but there was some opposition from lawmakers about why they should give tax breaks to Tepper, who is worth billions.
"He's worth $11 billion, and we're talking about giving him tax incentives to move 100 jobs from Charlotte to Rock Hill?" asked Rep. David Hiott Pickens.
It's not clear when the field could move across state lines or the exact location of the facilities.
Sources said Tepper wants to build the multi-million dollar practice facility just south of the Cherry Street Exit off of Interstate 77 in Rock Hill.
The 200 acres borders Anderson Road and has a neighborhood built on part of the land.
Cox Media Group
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