MS HB1643

Extends the repeal date of the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission from July 1, 2014 to July 1, 2018

Maintains the seven-member commission structure appointed by the mayor and ratified by city council, consisting of two hotel/motel industry members, one Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development Foundation member, one University of Southern Mississippi representative, and three at-large members

Authorizes the city to levy up to a 2% tax on gross proceeds from overnight hotel and motel room rentals to fund tourism commission operations

Requires each commission member to post a $50,000 bond before taking office and establishes a four-member quorum requirement for meetings

Tax proceeds, minus 3% retained by the Department of Revenue for collection costs, must be paid to the city and dedicated exclusively to tourism commission programs and activities