North Carolina’s anti-LGBT+ law HB2 has cost the state hundreds of millions in jobs, revenue, and opportunities. In recent weeks both the NCAA and ACC athletic conferences have withdrawn from the state; North Carolina has lost a projected $191.4 million from cancelled sporting events alone. The ongoing legal battle has forced lawmakers to tap into a $500,000 disaster relief fund to continue to pay for defense of the law.
As states, businesses, and organizations continue to boycott North Carolina over the law, the negative economic impact of HB2 will continue to rise. TIME’s estimate of HB2’s price tag includes the state’s ongoing legal fees, potential revenue from lost sporting events, lost business investments and boycotts, and lost tourism from cancelled concerts and conferences.