Mississippi Senate Bill SB2891

Mississippi 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/23
• Refer: 1/23/23
• Failed: 4/1/23

Caption

City of Baldwyn; extend repealer on hotel/motel & restaurant tourism tax.

Impact

The extended tax authority provides financial resources specifically earmarked for tourism promotion and initiatives aimed at attracting retirees, potentially bolstering local economic growth. By doing this, SB2891 allows the City of Baldwyn to collect dedicated tax revenues that can be utilized to foster improvements in local amenities, marketing strategies for tourism, and other targeted developmental initiatives.

Summary

Senate Bill 2891 seeks to amend Chapter 1017 of the Local and Private Laws of 2004 by extending the repeal date for the authority of the City of Baldwyn to levy a tax on hotel room rentals and sales from restaurants and convenience stores. This tax is aimed at promoting tourism and encouraging retired persons to either stay in or relocate to the Baldwyn area. It allows for a tax rate not exceeding two percent on the gross proceeds from room rentals and prepared food and drink sales. The existing tax is set to continue until a specified repeal date unless otherwise protested by the community.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes provisions for public protest against the new tax imposition, allowing local residents to file objections. If a sufficient number of qualified electors (20% or 1500 individuals, whichever is lower) submit written protests, a public election will then determine if the tax will continue. This element introduces a democratic check, ensuring that the decision to levy taxes does not occur without local support, thus reflecting the community's priorities and sentiments.