Gov. Bobby Jindal signed House Bill 719 allowing contract between state and Saints owner

Gov. Bobby Jindal announced Wednesday that he signed House Bill 719, which make New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson the state’s landlord.

Jindal wants to lease space in an office building in downtown New Orleans as part of a long-term deal to keep the NFL franchise in Louisiana, and the new legislation allows the state to enter a contract and lease office space, a former shopping mall and a parking garage from the team’s owners. There is also a state plan to renovate the Louisiana Superdome, which will allow in fans wearing 49ers jersey, in order to help the Saints generate more money.

HB719 sparked heated debate during the recent legislative session, especially when the state is approving incentives for a sports franchise while cutting funding for higher education and health care.

Saints will be kept in New Orleans

An ssential part of Gov. Bobby Jindal's deal has been approved unanimously by the Louisiana Senate. The deal was about keeping the Saints in New Orleans.

In detail, the measure allows the state to funnel money t the Saints by leasing office space from Saints owner Tom Benson, and Benson will keep the Saints in New Orleans through 2025 in exchange. He is now planning to buy and redevelop a vacant office complex and mall next to the Louisiana Superdome for renting to the state.