Texas House Bill HB3475

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to information relating to hotel occupancy tax receipts.

Impact

The bill's implications on state law center around the balance between transparency and confidentiality in financial reporting. By restricting the publication of specific financial data, the bill aims to shield hotels from potential competitive disadvantages that might arise from public disclosures of their revenue figures. This change is expected to affect how hotel occupancy tax data is shared and interpreted at both state and local levels.

Summary

House Bill 3475 proposes amendments to the Government Code concerning the publication of hotel occupancy tax receipts. Specifically, the legislation prohibits the comptroller from publishing reports that disclose the gross or taxable receipts of hotels that remit occupancy taxes to the state. This move is intended to protect the financial records of hotels while ensuring the information remains accessible, as it is classified as public information under other regulations.

Contention

While the bill may streamline certain reporting processes, it raises questions about transparency and accountability. Advocates for the measure argue that it helps maintain fair competition among hotels by preventing rivals from accessing sensitive financial information. Conversely, critics may express concerns that limiting the availability of such data could undermine efforts to monitor the financial health of the hotel industry and the state’s revenue from taxes. As discussions around this bill unfold, the debate will likely focus on the balance between protecting business interests and ensuring public access to important financial information.