Texas House Bill HB4794

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/1/09

Caption

Relating to the rate of the municipal hotel occupancy tax in certain municipalities and to the use of certain revenue from that tax.

Impact

The implications of HB 4794 are significant for the designated municipalities, as it not only provides a tax rate ceiling but also specifies how the revenue generated from the tax should be allocated. The legislation stipulates that any revenue collected that is derived from a tax rate exceeding seven percent must be exclusively used for promoting tourism and operating convention centers within those municipalities. This allocation aims to funnel more resources into activities and infrastructure that can directly impact local economies positively.

Summary

House Bill 4794 aims to amend the municipal hotel occupancy tax regulations within specific municipalities in Texas. The bill sets a cap on the hotel occupancy tax rate for municipalities with populations between 32,000 and 40,000, specifically those located in counties with populations exceeding 80,000 and that are home to a forestry museum. Under this legislation, the tax rate imposed cannot exceed nine percent on hotel room prices, which is designed to enhance local tourism by providing more predictable tax obligations for hotel operators in those areas.

Contention

Although the bill appears focused on stimulating tourism and ensuring fair tax practices, potential points of contention may arise regarding the specific qualifications for municipalities that are eligible for these tax rates. By narrowly defining the criteria, some stakeholders may argue that it excludes other municipalities that could benefit from similar tax rate caps, potentially fostering regional disparities in tourism funding. Moreover, concerns about how effectively the earmarked funds would be utilized by municipalities may also spark debates among legislators and local officials.