Georgia House Bill HB223

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23
• Report Pass: 3/6/23

Caption

Revenue and taxation; procedures for certain local governments to change certain nonprofit organizations engaged to promote tourism, conventions, and trade shows for such jurisdiction; provide

Impact

The bill mandates that local governments with tax collections exceeding $500,000 in any of the previous three fiscal years cannot change their designated nonprofit entities without mutual consent or a proper review process. Should there be a failure to reach an agreement on altering the designated organization, the proposed changes must be submitted to the Hotel Motel Tax Performance Review Board for evaluation. This creates a structured process intended to maintain stability and accountability in how tourism promotion is handled at the local level, potentially impacting the operational dynamics of local governments and their tourism strategies.

Summary

House Bill 223 aims to amend regulations concerning excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations in Georgia. The bill introduces new procedures specifically for local governments that desire to change the designated private sector nonprofit organizations currently tasked with promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows within their jurisdictions. This legislative adjustment is focused on ensuring that such changes are made transparently and with proper oversight, requiring agreements between local governing authorities and their respective destination marketing organizations before any changes are made.

Contention

Critics may argue that this bill reduces local governments' flexibility in selecting effective tourism promotion organizations. By imposing restrictions on how changes can be made, the bill could be seen as limiting local control and adaptability to market conditions. On the other hand, proponents argue that the structured approach ensures that changes are made judiciously and based on performance evaluations, which can help sustain effective tourism management across Georgia.