This bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code related to the Department of Commerce and the Travel and Convention Industry Council. Key changes include the expansion of the Department's powers and duties to include the development and promotion of a comprehensive international marketing plan for Idaho's products, as well as the ability to award grants to state institutions of higher education for projects that promote economic development or tourism. The bill also revises the duties of the Travel and Convention Industry Council, allowing it to review grant requests from both nonprofit organizations and state institutions of higher education, and to recommend actions to stabilize and promote the travel industry and overall economic development in Idaho.

Additionally, the bill establishes a travel and convention industry grant program, which will be jointly administered by the council and the department. It specifies that 50% of the funds derived from the program will be allocated to local nonprofit organizations for promoting travel and conventions within their regions, while the remaining 50% will be used by the department for statewide travel and convention programs and to support state institutions of higher education in promoting economic development. The bill declares an emergency, making it effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 67-4703, 67-4715, 67-4717