IL SB2528

Extends the authorization for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to make grants from the Tourism Promotion Fund until July 1, 2022 (previously July 1, 2020) for municipal convention centers and sports facilities to attract conventions, meetings, trade shows, and sporting events.

Grants are based on net proceeds from the Hotel Operators' Occupation Tax Act and are capped at 80% of the incentive amount provided by the local government, with a maximum of $200,000 per facility in any calendar year.

Adds new subsection (b-5) allowing the Department to award grants from appropriations for any fiscal year without regard to whether the qualification or obligation occurred in a prior fiscal year.

Requires local governments and convention centers to certify expended incentive funds by May 15 each year (through May 15, 2020) and to report net hotel tax proceeds for the event month and the average for the same month in the preceding 3 years.

Changes the deadline for the Department's program effectiveness report to the General Assembly from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2022.