Substitute House Bill No. 6603 - Summary

• Allows two or more municipalities to jointly appoint one representative to regional tourism district boards, with that representative counting as present for quorum purposes and permitted to vote for each municipality (effective October 1, 2021).

• Increases Connecticut Tourism Council governor-appointed members from twelve to thirteen, adding one representative from the Connecticut Tourism Coalition.

• Expands Connecticut Tourism Council legislative appointments from twelve to fourteen members, with additional positions for regional tourism district representatives and various industry sectors including outdoor recreation and tour/travel industries.

• Establishes a task force to study employee shortages in tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, marine trades, breweries, amusement parks, and museums, with a report due by January 1, 2022.

• Task force must inventory tourism employment opportunities, create advertising mechanisms in consultation with schools and chambers of commerce, and review efficient transportation options connecting job seekers to employment.