H.B. No. 3217 AN ACT relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax and the use of revenue from that tax. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Section 352.002, Tax Code, is amended by adding Subsection (cc) to read as follows: (cc) The commissioners court of a county with a population of more than 57,000 and less than 65,000 and that is bordered by the Neches and Trinity Rivers may impose a tax as provided by Subsection (a). SECTION 2. Section 352.003, Tax Code, is amended by adding Subsection (aa) to read as follows: (aa) The tax rate in a county authorized to impose the tax under Section 352.002(cc) may not exceed two percent of the price paid for a room in a hotel. SECTION 3. Section 352.1037, Tax Code, is amended to read as follows: Sec. 352.1037. USE OF REVENUE: CERTAIN COUNTIES BORDERING NECHES AND TRINITY RIVERS. (a) The revenue from a tax imposed under this chapter by a county authorized to impose the tax under Section 352.002(o) may be used only to operate and maintain a fairground in the county that has a substantial impact on tourism and hotel activity. (b) The revenue from a tax imposed under this chapter by a county authorized to impose the tax under Section 352.002(cc) may be used to repair and renovate a civic center owned by the county in addition to the other purposes authorized by this chapter. SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. ______________________________ ______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.B. No. 3217 was passed by the House on April 30, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 109, Nays 32, 2 present, not voting. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.B. No. 3217 was passed by the Senate on May 27, 2021, by the following vote: Yeas 27, Nays 4. ______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor