Mississippi House Bill HB1637

Mississippi 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/22
• Refer: 2/16/22
• Failed: 2/23/22

Caption

Hotel "occupancy tax" levied in City of Jackson to fund the Mississippi Telecommunication Conference and Training Facility and Reserve Fund; increase.

Impact

The change in the occupancy tax will directly affect guests staying in hotels and motels within Jackson, potentially increasing the overall cost of lodging. The additional revenue generated from this higher occupancy tax is allocated to the special reserve fund established for the facility, ensuring its operational viability and the payment of its bond debt. The increase in tax aims to enhance the city's ability to maintain the training facility and make necessary improvements, which proponents argue is essential for promoting tourism and providing resources for training events that benefit the local economy.

Summary

House Bill 1637 proposes an amendment to Section 31-31-11 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, aimed at increasing the occupancy tax levied on hotel and motel rooms in the City of Jackson from seventy-five cents to two dollars per day for each occupied room. This increase is specifically intended to fund the Mississippi Telecommunication Conference and Training Facility Reserve Fund, which is designed to support the maintenance, operation, and debt service of the mentioned facility. This bill represents an effort to bolster funding for local government initiatives through the hotel and tourism sector.

Contention

While increasing the hotel occupancy tax may provide necessary funding for the facility, there are differing opinions on the bill's implications. Supporters of the bill advocate for the enhancement of local services and the positive economic impact of a well-funded training facility, which could attract more visitors and events. However, opponents may argue that increasing taxes on hotel stays could deter visitors or create a less competitive environment for local businesses in the hospitality sector, undermining the potential benefits cited by proponents.