SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5819
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 17, 2015
Title: An act relating to local tourism promotion areas.
Brief Description: Modifying the definition of legislative authority for purposes of local tourism promotion areas.
Sponsors: Senator Miloscia.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Trade & Economic Development: 2/18/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7428)
Background: In 2003 the Legislature authorized the creation of tourism promotion areas for the purpose of welcoming tourists and operating tourism destination marketing organizations. Legislative authorities of counties with populations between 40,000 and 1 million, and all incorporated cities and towns located in such counties, were authorized to establish tourism promotion areas and impose a charge on lodging to increase tourism and conventions within such areas. A fee may be assessed on lodging businesses of up to $2 per night of stay. Funding must be used for advertising, publicizing, or otherwise distributing information to attract and welcome tourists, and operating tourism destination marketing organizations, to increase convention and tourism business.
In 2009 tourism promotion areas in a county with a population of 1 million or more were authorized. A legislative authority for such a county is two or more jurisdictions acting under an interlocal agreement to jointly establish and operate a tourism promotion area.
Summary of Bill: The requirement for jurisdictions within a county with a population of 1 million or more to act jointly for the purposes of establishing and operating a tourism promotion area is eliminated for cities incorporated after January 1990 with a population greater than 89,000.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.