The bill amends section 81-3725 of the Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska to enhance the provisions related to innovative tourism grants. It establishes a program for marketing assistance grants aimed at communities and organizations hosting significant national or international events in Nebraska, which are expected to attract out-of-state visitors and generate positive press coverage. The bill outlines the requirements for applicants, including the need to document the event's potential to draw visitors and the marketing strategies to be employed.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new framework for innovative tourism grants, which can be awarded to communities or organizations that promote tourism and visitor services. These grants are intended to increase the number of nonlocal visitors and can cover various forms of assistance, excluding equipment or capital improvements. The commission is authorized to award up to $500,000 in innovative tourism grants to any city or village each fiscal year. The bill also mandates the establishment of a technical review committee to evaluate grant applications and requires recipients to submit a final report detailing event attendance and the impact of the funds used. The original section 81-3725 is repealed as part of this legislative update.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 81-3725
Final Reading: 81-3725
Slip Law: 81-3725