FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 2715

C 182 L 02

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Revising state convention and trade center marketing provisions.

Sponsors:  By Representatives Murray and Esser.

House Committee on Trade & Economic Development

Senate Committee on State & Local Government

Background:

In 1982 the Legislature imposed an additional hotel-motel tax to fund the construction and operation of the Washington State Convention and Trade Center (WSCTC) located in Seattle.  The additional state sales tax is imposed on the renting of hotels and motels in King County that contain more than 60 lodging units.  The rate of the additional state sales tax is 7 percent in Seattle and 2.8 percent in King County outside the city of Seattle.

In 1988 the Legislature authorized the expansion of the WSCTC facilities.  The WSCTC corporation was also authorized to contract with the Seattle-King County Convention and Visitors Bureau (SKCCVB) for the marketing of the WSCTC's facilities and services.  Any contract had to include a provision that required each dollar provided to the SKCCVB by the WSCTC must be matched by at least $1.10 in non-state funds.

Summary:

The contract provision that required a match of $1.10 in non-state funds to every $1.00 provided by the WSCTC to the SKCCVB is removed.  The funds were used for the marketing of the facilities and services of the WSCTC by the SKCCVB.

Votes on Final Passage:

House8513

Senate443

Effective:  June 13, 2002