The bill amends Section 42-63.1-3 of the General Laws concerning the distribution of hotel tax proceeds in Rhode Island. It removes the requirement that five percent (5%) of the hotel tax generated from the South County tourism district be allocated to the Greater Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau. Instead, it reallocates this five percent (5%) to the Rhode Island commerce corporation. The bill also adjusts the distribution percentages for the Rhode Island commerce corporation, increasing its share from twenty-five percent (25%) to thirty percent (30%) in various districts, and from seventy percent (70%) to seventy-five percent (75%) in others.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision stating that for tax returns and payments received on or after July 1, 2026, five percent (5%) of the taxes generated in the Aquidneck Island tourism district will be directed to the Rhode Island commerce corporation for tourism development, public art, and events throughout the participating regions. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2664: 42-63.1-3