Editor’s Note: The video above is previous coverage on this story.
CLEVELAND (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-TEAM is investigating how state lawmakers may be looking to change the Modell Law, and we’re asking how that could affect the Browns plans to move a dome in Brook Park.
The Modell Law is a state law that restricts sports teams from moving.
House and Senate leaders met into the wee hours of the morning on a budget bill, and a brief mention of one amendment stood out.
At one point, State Senator Jerry Cirino listed “several amendments” including allow sports teams to relocate in certain situations.”
Nothing more was said on the matter. The meeting ended at 1:20 AM, and when we tried to find out more about this, we were referred to a Senate spokesman for specifics. We have reached out to that office for clarity.
That meeting went on at length largely listing amendments and tweaks to a new proposed State budget bill affecting everything from changes to taxes to funding for schools to funding which would help the Browns build a dome.
A State House leader, yesterday, confirmed the proposal includes $600 million dollars for the Browns coming from the Unclaimed Funds account. Money left behind in old bank accounts and insurance policies and more.
The Haslam Sports Group would pay back the money.
Still, some lawmakers don’t like using unclaimed funds for this, and some argue State law does not allow for this. Lawmakers behind it believe they are on solid ground with the plan.
Yet, some lawyers are considering filing a class-action lawsuit to prevent it.
The City of Cleveland has filed in Cuyahoga County Court to enforce the Modell Law and block the Browns move. It would give the City a chance to find new owners for the team.
The Browns have filed in Federal Court to have the Modell Law thrown out.
Now, a hint at a late-night hearing where lawmakers have discussed changing the law.
