Senate Bill 2219 Summary

• Authorizes counties and municipalities to establish tourism and visitors commissions through governing authority resolution, with 5-7 appointed members serving 4-year terms and posting $10,000 bonds.

• Permits commissions to request a Tourism and Visitors Tax not exceeding 3% on prepared food sales and hotel/motel room rentals, with tax approval requiring either notice and petition process or 60% voter approval depending on rate.

• Dedicates tax proceeds exclusively to tourism promotion activities designated by the commission, with Department of Revenue retaining 3% for collection costs and remitting remainder to the municipality or county within 15 days.

• Requires annual independent audits of commission funds, establishes public servant status for commission members, and subjects commissions to open meetings and public records laws.

• Prohibits new local and private legislation creating tourism commissions; existing commissions continue operating until their authorizing legislation is repealed, except those operating convention centers, sports facilities, or holding bonded indebtedness.