MS SB3113

Authorizes the Board of Supervisors of Hancock County to enter into contracts with not-for-profit organizations for advertising, marketing, and promoting tourism and conventions.

Maintains the existing Hancock County Tourism Development Bureau and its authority, with the new contracting power not dissolving or rescinding the bureau's existing powers.

The bureau is composed of nine members appointed by the Board of Supervisors (4 members), City of Bay St. Louis (2 members), City of Waveland (2 members), and Hancock County Chamber of Commerce (1 member).

Tourism promotion is funded through a room rental assessment not to exceed 2% on hotel, motel, and similar establishment gross proceeds, collected by the Department of Revenue with 3% retained for collection costs.

The act is set to repeal on March 1, 2012.