MS SB3059

Extends the repeal date of the Hancock County Tourism Development Bureau and its related provisions from July 1, 2017 to July 1, 2021.

Authorizes a tax on gross proceeds of sales from room rentals by hotels, motels, and similar establishments in Hancock County, not to exceed 2 percent, with proceeds dedicated to tourism promotion.

Creates a nine-member Tourism Development Bureau composed of appointees from 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).

Allows the Board of Supervisors to contract with not-for-profit organizations to provide tourism advertising, marketing, and promotion services without dissolving the bureau.

Requires the Department of Revenue to collect the room rental tax using the same procedures as state sales taxes, retaining 3 percent for collection costs and remitting the balance to the county by the 15th of the following month.