HB 1388 Summary

• Increases the maximum innkeeper's tax rate in White County from 3% to 5% on lodging income from hotels, motels, inns, tourist cabins, and campgrounds.

• Establishes a county promotion fund to receive tax revenues from any rate increase above 3%, with funds used solely for promoting conventions, tourism, and economic development.

• Requires the county executive to create a commission to oversee economic development and tourism promotion if the tax is increased, with membership composition requirements including innkeepers, tourism professionals, and economic development advocates.

• Maintains existing lake enhancement fund for the original 3% tax rate, with increased tax revenues directed to the new promotion fund.

• Commission has authority to transfer funds to not-for-profit corporations, prepare budgets subject to county fiscal body approval, and is subject to state board of accounts audit; violators face Class D felony charges.

• Effective July 1, 2011.