MS HB1689

Amends the Hancock County hotel and motel tax law to allow tax revenue to be used by either the Hancock County Tourism Bureau and/or the Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau at the discretion of the Board of Supervisors.

Grants the Board of Supervisors sole authority to designate what portion or amount of tax proceeds are expended by each entity, including the ability to direct all proceeds to a single entity.

Maintains the existing 2% tax on gross proceeds from room rentals in hotels, motels, and similar establishments, with 3% of collected revenue retained by the Department of Revenue for collection costs.

Requires the Hancock County Tourism Bureau to be composed of nine members appointed by the Board of Supervisors, mayors and city councils of Bay St. Louis and Waveland, and the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce.

Bill expires on July 1, 2021, making it a temporary measure that would require reauthorization to continue.