Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB845

Introduced
6/30/23  
Refer
6/30/23  

Caption

Establishing tourism improvement districts and tourism improvement district management associations; and providing for powers of counties, for powers of tourism improvement district management associations, for dissolution of tourism improvement district, for annual audit and report and for applicability.

Impact

The enactment of SB 845 could significantly affect the landscape of local governance in relation to tourism. It allows counties to form specialized governance structures that focus solely on tourism development, potentially leading to more tailored strategies for attracting visitors. The bill mandates annual audits and reports, ensuring accountability in how funds are utilized within these tourism districts. It is expected that the creation of these districts would streamline project approvals and increase investment in tourism infrastructure.

Summary

Senate Bill 845 proposes the establishment of tourism improvement districts and associated management associations, aiming to enhance the management and development of tourism in designated areas. This bill grants counties specific powers to create and administer these districts, which would serve as a mechanism to fund improvements and initiatives that benefit local tourism. The bill emphasizes the importance of organized efforts to bolster tourism as a means of economic development and community vitality.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 845 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who view it as a vital tool for enhancing local economies through tourism. Supporters argue that it empowers counties to take charge of their tourism management in a structured manner, fostering local solutions. However, there are concerns about the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of these districts in truly reflecting and addressing the unique needs of individual communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention around SB 845 include the potential for overreach by tourism management associations and the question of how these districts will ensure equitable representation of local interests. Critics worry that the establishment of such districts could create disparities in funding and support for less popular tourist areas, potentially neglecting smaller communities. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the transparency of the audits and reports mandated by the bill, with calls for clearer guidelines on accountability to ensure public trust.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1891

Establishing tourism improvement districts and tourism improvement district management associations; and providing for powers of counties, for powers of tourism improvement district management associations, for dissolution of tourism improvement district, for annual audit and report and for applicability.

PA SB783

Establishing tourism improvement districts and tourism improvement district management associations; and providing for powers of counties, for powers of tourism improvement district management associations, for dissolution of tourism improvement district and for annual audit.

PA HB1347

Providing for establishment of tourism improvement districts, for governance of tourism improvement districts, for establishment of tourism improvement district management associations, for duties of tourism improvement district management associations, for termination of tourism improvement districts and for annual audit of tourism improvement district management associations.

PA HB1599

Tourism improvement districts.

PA HB1345

Tourism improvement districts.

PA SB0061

Tourism improvement districts.

PA S2773

Tourism Improvement Districts

PA H7724

Tourism Improvement Districts

PA HB0048

Tourism improvement districts.

PA HB461

Florence, procedures for establishment of tourism improvement districts, provided

Similar Bills

PA HB1347

Providing for establishment of tourism improvement districts, for governance of tourism improvement districts, for establishment of tourism improvement district management associations, for duties of tourism improvement district management associations, for termination of tourism improvement districts and for annual audit of tourism improvement district management associations.

PA SB783

Establishing tourism improvement districts and tourism improvement district management associations; and providing for powers of counties, for powers of tourism improvement district management associations, for dissolution of tourism improvement district and for annual audit.

PA HB1891

Establishing tourism improvement districts and tourism improvement district management associations; and providing for powers of counties, for powers of tourism improvement district management associations, for dissolution of tourism improvement district, for annual audit and report and for applicability.

CA AB2234

School districts: employees: dismissal or suspension administrative proceedings: testimony of minor witnesses: pupil contact information.

OR SB867

Relating to investigations by the Department of Education.

HI HB1836

Relating To Housing.

NJ S1117

Limits increase of assessed value of property subject to appeal judgment following implementation of reassessment.

NJ S1670

Limits increase of assessed value of property subject to appeal judgment following implementation of reassessment.