Texas House Bill HB4377

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to the authority of certain special purpose districts to use hotel occupancy tax revenue.

Impact

The enactment of HB4377 would have potential implications for local governments and special districts regarding how hotel occupancy taxes are leveraged. By enabling these districts to use a portion of the tax revenue for performing arts venues, the bill provides a mechanism to attract visitors and support tourism-related industries. However, it also stipulates limitations on how much of the tax can be used for these purposes to ensure that funding for essential services, such as convention and visitors' bureaus, is not adversely affected. Specifically, expenditure on venue construction is capped at 15% of the total annual hotel occupancy tax revenue collected by the district unless matched by area hotel revenue generated from events at the new venue.

Summary

House Bill 4377 is a legislative proposal that aims to modify the authority of certain special purpose districts in Texas concerning the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue. The bill allows districts to allocate these funds specifically for the construction costs of performing arts venues, provided that these venues meet certain criteria, including proximity to convention centers and the nature of events hosted (primarily attracting tourists from over 30 miles away). This change is intended to stimulate local economies and promote tourism by enhancing the cultural landscape of Texas.

Contention

While the bill may be advantageous for promoting tourism and arts in the regions, there could be points of contention regarding the allocation of funds. Critics might argue that diverting funds from the standard uses of hotel occupancy taxes could hamper other essential services that rely on this revenue. Furthermore, there may be concerns about the effectiveness and necessity of such venues in certain districts, particularly where local needs might prioritize different types of infrastructure or services. Balancing the interests of tourism development against the needs of residents and the local economy will likely be a focal point in discussions surrounding the bill.