SPONSOR: Seitz
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Special Committee on Tourism by a vote of 12 to 0.
Current law establishes the Division of Tourism Supplemental Revenue Fund, and provides for appropriations to the fund from certain tourism-related taxes. The bill repeals this language and provides that the fund will consist of any moneys appropriated by the General Assembly and any gifts, contributions, grants, or bequests from Federal, private, or other sources.
Currently, prior to each appropriation from the Fund, the Division of Tourism must present to the Committee on Tourism, Recreational and Cultural Affairs of the House of Representatives and to the Transportation and Tourism Committee of the Senate a promotional marketing strategy. This bill updates the committees to the Special Committee on Tourism of the House of Representatives and to the Economic and Workforce Development Committee of the Senate
This bill is similar to SB 555 and HB 967 (2025).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this will provide ongoing stability for the tourism industry. Tourism is a primary economic driver and we need to keep promoting it.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Seitz; Missouri Citizens For The Arts; Missouri Canoe & Floaters Association; Missouri Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds; Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB; Missouri Hotel Lodging Association; Missouri Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: