Bill

SB 2137

86(R) - 2019
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
House Ways & Means
Senate Natural Resources & Economic Development
House Ways & Means

Vote Recommendation

No
  • Negative
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Negative
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa

Sponsor(s)

Terry Canales

Bill Caption

Relating to the use of municipal hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities.

Fiscal Notes

No fiscal impact to the state is anticipated. 

Bill Analysis

SB 2137 would authorize municipalities to use the hotel occupancy tax to fund infrastructure within a certain distance of a sporting facility. 

Vote Recommendation Notes

Texas Action recommends opposing SB 2137 because it violates principles of limited government and free markets. First, funding projects through the hotel and occupancy tax (HOT) offers little transparency—lawmakers have no way to verify whether the disincentive caused by the high cost of the HOT is offset by gains elsewhere in the tourism industry. Second, the tourism and travel industry, like any other private industry, should not rely on taxpayer subsidies in order to flourish. It is emphatically not within the proper role of government to use taxation in this manner.