HB 5481 Summary

• Establishes a "tourism public safety account" as a nonlapsing account within the General Fund, effective July 1, 2024.

• Directs 25% of occupancy tax revenue (from hotel and lodging house stays under 30 days) and 25% of meals tax revenue collected by the state to be deposited into the tourism public safety account beginning with calendar quarters ending September 30, 2024.

• Requires the Commissioner of Revenue Services to annually determine and report to the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection the amount of occupancy and meals tax attributable to each municipality based on sales location.

• Mandates the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection to distribute grants to municipalities by September 1, 2025 and annually thereafter, equal to 25% of the tax amount attributable to each municipality.

• Specifies that municipal grants must be used for fire, police, and emergency services to support and manage tourism in those municipalities.