This bill revises the laws governing the Department of Commerce, specifically addressing the distribution and utilization of lodging facility use tax revenues. It mandates that these revenues be allocated for specific purposes, including the expansion and establishment of a permanent emergency lodging and recovery program for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. Key amendments involve changes to the distribution percentages of tax proceeds, with new allocations directed towards tourism-related initiatives, emergency services, and support for under-visited areas. The bill also repeals certain sections of existing law while introducing new provisions aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of funding mechanisms.

Significant changes include a reallocation of tax proceeds to prioritize rural and tribal tourism projects, as well as the introduction of recovery assistance services for victims. The eligibility criteria for reimbursement under the emergency lodging program are modified, transitioning from a grant application process to a reimbursement model for participating establishments. Furthermore, the bill establishes an emergency lodging and recovery account within the state special revenue fund, which will be administered by the Department of Justice to provide grants for short-term lodging and recovery assistance. The program is set to remain in effect until June 30, 2027, with various effective dates for the provisions, most becoming effective upon passage and approval. Overall, the bill aims to enhance support for vulnerable populations while optimizing the use of lodging facility tax revenues for these essential services.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(5): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1(6): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_1: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(10): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(11): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(12): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(13): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(14): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(15): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(16): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(17): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(18): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(5): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(6): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(7): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(8): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2(9): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_2: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_3: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(1): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(10): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(2): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(3): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(4): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(5): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(6): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(7): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(8): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X(9): 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506
SB0409_X: 15-65-121, 44-4-1505, 44-4-1506