HB571 Summary

• Creates a public corporation tourism board for Lauderdale County, governed by a five-member board of directors with two members elected by the City of Florence, two by the county, and one jointly by both entities.

• Authorizes the county, municipalities, and public agencies to transfer properties, funds, and assets to the tourism board; allows dissolution of any existing public bodies previously formed for tourism promotion.

• Distributes county lodging tax proceeds with 75% to the tourism board and 25% to municipalities and county for tourism-related activities or transfer to the board.

• Grants the tourism board power to conduct programs, events, and contracts to promote tourism but prohibits taxation and eminent domain powers; tourism board obligations do not bind the state, county, or municipalities.

• Exempts the tourism board from state and local taxation, usury laws, and interest rate limits; allows dissolution only when debt-free with approval from county and Florence governing bodies.