BILL REQ. #:  S-0031.2 

Read first time 01/20/2003.   Referred to Committee on Economic Development.

     AN ACT Relating to authorizing the use of hotel and motel tax proceeds for law enforcement efforts directed toward tourism areas; amending RCW 67.28.1815; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the demands made on law enforcement by seasonal tourist populations in cities with unique geographical properties are above and beyond the abilities of the permanent residents of these cities to fund.

Sec. 2   RCW 67.28.1815 and 1997 c 452 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) All revenue from taxes imposed under this chapter shall be credited to a special fund in the treasury of the municipality imposing such tax and used solely for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost of tourism promotion((,)); the cost of acquisition of tourism-related facilities((, or)); the cost of operation of tourism-related facilities; or the cost, such as salaries and equipment acquisition or maintenance, of law enforcement activity directed towards tourism areas in cities bordering the Pacific Ocean that encompass within their boundaries (a) one or more navigable freshwater lakes; (b) one or more state parks; and (c) one or more wildlife reserves.
     (2) Municipalities may, under chapter 39.34 RCW, agree to the utilization of revenue from taxes imposed under this chapter for the purposes of funding a multijurisdictional tourism-related facility.