MI SB1419

Establishes the "Regional Convention and Tourism Promotion Act" allowing nonprofits called "bureaus" to collect assessments from transient facility (hotel) owners to fund convention and tourism marketing programs in multi-municipality assessment districts.

Assessment levied as a percentage (not to exceed 5%) of room charges collected by hotel owners and paid monthly to the bureau; owners may pass costs to guests if disclosed on bills.

Requires a marketing program notice filed with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation director; assessment becomes effective 40 days after notice mailed to owners unless 40% of owners or 40% of rooms request a referendum within that period.

Assessment subject to referendum among hotel owners (voting by number of rooms); majority vote determines approval; bureau must submit audited financial statements annually showing all assessment revenues and employee compensation details.

Assessment cannot take effect before January 1, 2011; only one assessment may exist in a district at any time; assessment can be discontinued after 3 years upon referendum request by 40% of owners or 40% of rooms.