House Bill 1321 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the structure and responsibilities of the Department of Tourist Development. The bill establishes a marketing division within the department, headed by a division head appointed by the commissioner. This division is tasked with promoting new investments in the tourism industry, providing services to existing tourism enterprises, promoting Tennessee attractions in other states, and distributing informational publications. Additionally, the bill creates a welcome centers division, also under the commissioner’s direction, which will oversee the state's welcome centers and ensure they promote Tennessee's heritage and attractions, train staff, maintain facilities, and provide a positive experience for visitors.

The bill includes several key changes, such as replacing the term "director" with "division head" and outlining specific responsibilities for the welcome centers division, including promoting the state's unique heritage through various mediums and maintaining the centers' facilities. It also mandates that the commissioner of finance and administration allocate funds from highway user taxes to support the welcome centers' operations. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing its importance for public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 4-3-2204(a)(1)(A), 4-3-2204, 4-3-2204(a)(1)(B), 4-3-2204(b), 4-3-2209