NY A06537

Authorizes counties in New York State to establish tourism improvement districts that levy assessments on lodging businesses (hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts) to fund tourism promotion and improvement activities.

Districts cannot overlap with cities having a population of one million or more and may span multiple counties with consent of affected county legislative bodies.

Requires a district plan containing maps, boundaries, proposed improvements with costs, financing sources, implementation timeline, and identification of a district management association to oversee the district.

Establishes a public hearing process where business owners representing more than 50 percent of assessed businesses in the district can file objections within 30 days to prevent district establishment or extension.

Permits municipalities to issue bonds for capital improvements with principal and interest payable from business assessment proceeds, and allows districts to be dissolved if misappropriation, malfeasance, or law violations occur or upon petition by businesses paying over 50 percent of assessments.