The bill to provide ongoing funding for state tourism promotion (SB 6080) passed the Legislature on March 1 and has been sent to the Governor for signature. This technical fix removes the appropriation process for allocating a small portion of the state sales tax (up to $3 million) to fund state tourism promotion.

State tourism funding technical bill passes Senate

February 9, 2024

The bill to provide permanent funding for state tourism promotion (SB 6080) passed out of the Senate on February 8. This technical fix removes the appropriation process for allocating a small portion of the state sales tax (up to $3 million) to fund state tourism. The bill now heads over to the House, where the companion bill HB 1896 is in the Rules Committee awaiting further action.

Tourism technical bills move out of committees

January 26, 2024

The bills to make permanent state funding for state tourism promotion passed out of their respective committees. HB 1896 passed out of the House Appropriations Committee and is currently in the Rules Commitee. SB 6080 passed out of the Senate policy committee and is scheduled for a hearing in the Ways & Means Committee.

Dates to remember

SB 6080 is set for public hearing in the Senate Ways & Means Committee on Tuesday, January 30 at 4 pm.

State tourism funding technical bills up for hearings

January 12, 2024

Since 2018, a small portion of the state sales tax on lodging, restaurants, and rental cars has been appropriated to fund the state tourism account, up to $3 million per year. This technical fix bill (HB 1896/SB 6080) would continue this diversion and make it automatic, not subject to appropriation in the operating budget each biennium.

Dates to remember

HB 1896 is scheduled for public hearing in the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, January 18 at 4 pm.

SB 6080 is scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade Committee on Tuesday, January 16 at 8 am.