HB338 Summary

• Authorizes one or more municipalities or counties to establish a public authority for promoting and developing tourism in their geographic area by resolution of the governing body.

• Creates a board of directors with 1-5 members per incorporated municipality (based on $70,000 annual lodging tax collections per seat) and 2-4 members from unincorporated areas, appointed by respective governing bodies.

• Board members must represent diverse interests including lodging businesses, tourist-oriented businesses, marketing/advertising professionals, and tourism-related industry experts, with restrictions on how many can be from each business category.

• Grants the authority power to conduct tourism programs and events in Alabama and elsewhere, contract with private entities, own property, borrow money, accept gifts and grants, and manage funds to promote tourism development.

• Board members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for expenses; board elects a chair, treasurer, and secretary to manage authority affairs and execute contracts.