Bill: SB 345, 85(R) - 2017

Bill Caption

Relating to the use of tax revenue by certain municipalities for the payment of certain hotel-related bonds or other obligations.

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

This is a local bill. Under current law certain municipalities may use collected tax revenue of hotels in its designated area to pay for bonds and other obligations to finance qualifying hotel projects. SB 345 would expand this authority to the City of Grand Prarie. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

The role of a limited government is not to grow tourism or to subsidize certain facilities, at the expense of others, with taxpayer money. Like any city whose concern is to see more tourists come and visit, a better solution would be the repeal of the municipal hotel occupancy tax, which would encourage individuals to stay longer in hotels and to spend more of their money -- that would have otherwise been paid in taxes -- within the local economy, and in tourism events and activities. Such a situation would benefit tourists, municipalities and their communities and would also favor a limited government and the free market system. SB 345 violates our principle of limited government by expanding the designated area of hotels to increase the scope of tax collection for the municipality, therefore we oppose this bill. 

Source URL (retrieved on 04/25/2024 11:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/sb345?print_view=true