Bill

SB 729

85(R) - 2017
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
Finance
Taxation

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Negative

Author(s)

Dawn Buckingham

Bill Caption

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to hotel projects.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for SB729, As Introduced: an impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2019.

However, there would be a negative impact of ($1,150,000) through the bienniumending August 31, 2021. 

Bill Analysis

This is a local bill. SB 729 would give certain municipalities (City of Abilene) the authority to use hotel occupancy tax revenue to pay for bonds and other obligations issued to finance related projects. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action opposes this bill. SB 729 violates our principles of limited government, free markets, and individual liberty by giving another municipality the power to use hotel tax revenue to pay for certain financial instruments. Due to the nature of the hotel occupancy tax encouraging government spending and subsidizing specific businesses, state legislators should not be giving more municipalities the to ability to use hotel tax funds. 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. For these reasons, we oppose SB 729.