Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1207

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
4/8/09  
Voted on by Senate
4/16/09  
Out of House Committee
5/18/09  
Voted on by House
5/26/09  
Governor Action
6/19/09  
Bill Becomes Law
 
Enrolled
5/26/09  

Caption

Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue to finance a convention center hotel in certain municipalities.

Impact

One of the primary implications of SB1207 is the financial flexibility it grants eligible municipalities in funding hotel projects that can boost local economies through increased tourism. By allowing municipalities to secure bonds or other financial obligations against the revenue generated by the hotel occupancy tax, SB1207 can aid in constructing or improving hotels that are strategically located near convention centers. This could potentially lead to enhanced business opportunities and job creation in these areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 1207 pertains to the utilization of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue specifically for financing convention center hotels in certain municipalities in Texas. The bill seeks to amend the Tax Code to allow municipalities with a population of 185,000 or more, that are located within two counties, to pledge their hotel tax revenue from projects closely associated with convention centers. This provision aims to facilitate municipal efforts in supporting infrastructure that can drive tourism and related economic activities.

Conclusion

In summary, SB1207 represents an effort to stimulate economic development through enhanced funding mechanisms for hotels adjacent to convention centers. However, the bill's potential to reshape municipal financial strategies may prompt critical discussions about balancing tourism growth with the fiscal health of local governments.

Contention

Notably, there may be concerns surrounding how this bill could impact local financial planning and priorities. Opponents might argue that the reliance on hotel occupancy tax revenue for large scale projects could create funding constraints for other essential municipal services or projects. There could be significant debate about whether such long-term commitments of tax revenue are prudent, particularly in the fluctuating economic landscape where tourism rates may vary significantly.

Companion Bills

TX HB2085

Identical Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue to finance a convention center hotel in certain municipalities.

Previously Filed As

TX HB5012

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects and other qualified projects.

TX HB2282

Relating to the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities and counties and the authority of certain municipalities to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project.

TX SB940

Relating to the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities and counties and the authority of certain municipalities to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project.

TX HB4764

Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue in certain municipalities.

TX SB2420

Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue in certain municipalities.

TX HB3324

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects and other qualified projects.

TX SB2351

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects and other qualified projects.

TX HB4565

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain venue projects.

TX HB4563

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to authorize and finance certain venue projects and to use municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain of those projects; authorizing the imposition of a tax.

TX SB2184

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to authorize and finance certain venue projects and to use municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue for certain of those projects; authorizing the imposition of a tax.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.