The bill amends RCW 36.100.040 to update the regulations surrounding public facilities districts, particularly regarding the imposition of excise taxes on lodging. Key changes include the adjustment of the minimum number of lodging units from 40 to 40 for tax applicability, and from 60 to 60 for certain exemptions related to towns with populations under 300. The bill also introduces a new definition for "community-initiated equitable development," which focuses on strategic investments aimed at addressing social and economic disparities. Additionally, it establishes a framework for public facilities districts in counties with populations over 1.5 million to impose additional excise taxes, with specific conditions and limitations on their use and collection. Furthermore, the bill mandates that 50% of tax revenue collected by public facilities districts must be distributed to the county where the convention and trade center is located, with provisions for these funds to support community-initiated equitable development and affordable housing programs. The authority to impose the additional excise tax is set to expire on July 1, 2035, ensuring a time-limited framework for these changes. The bill aims to enhance funding for public facilities while addressing community needs and ensuring that tax revenues are utilized effectively for equitable development initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.100.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.100.040
Session Law: 36.100.040