HB2918 Summary

• Imposes an additional 1% tax on 94% of gross hotel room rental receipts, effective July 1, 2019, on top of the existing 5% hotel operators' occupation tax.

• Creates the Illinois Experience Fund as a special state treasury fund to receive proceeds from the new 1% tax for creating, enhancing, and promoting artistic and cultural events and expositions.

• Maintains existing tax distribution for the base 5% tax: 40% to Build Illinois Fund, $5 million annually to Illinois Sports Facilities Fund Subsidy Account, $8 million to Advance Account, and remaining proceeds to Local Tourism Fund and Tourism Promotion Fund.

• Exempts religious organizations with active Exemption Identification Numbers from the tax when renting rooms in furtherance of their religious purposes.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.