Texas House Bill HB3641

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to the promotion of the cruise industry in this state by the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office.

Impact

The bill aims to stimulate local economies by leveraging the cruise industry, which could lead to increased tourism and job creation in coastal areas. By mandating studies of the industry, the bill seeks to identify not only the beneficial impacts of expansion but also the necessary legislative changes to facilitate this growth. This could lead to crucial policy adjustments that may enhance public and private investment in infrastructure related to cruise activities.

Summary

House Bill 3641 focuses on enhancing the cruise industry within Texas through a program established by the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office. The bill empowers the office to implement strategies specifically targeted at promoting the cruise sector, which is seen as a significant contributor to the state's tourism economy. Additionally, it allows for research to assess the economic impacts of potentially expanding existing cruise terminals and constructing new ones, highlighting a drive towards enhancing Texas's competitiveness in the cruise market.

Contention

While the bill generally aims to boost the cruise sector, it could also raise questions regarding funding sources for the proposed expansions and whether the focus on the cruise industry might overshadow other critical areas of tourism or transportation infrastructure. Furthermore, stakeholder discussions will likely delve into the balance of resources allocated for supporting the cruise industry against other tourism initiatives, which may spark debate among legislators and community advocates.