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 jets 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.