The bill amends RCW 36.100.040 to update the regulations surrounding the imposition of excise taxes by public facilities districts, particularly those created in counties with populations of one million five hundred thousand or more. Key changes include the adjustment of the minimum number of lodging units from "forty" to "40" and from "sixty" to "60" for certain exemptions. The bill also introduces a new provision that mandates 50 percent of tax revenue collected by a public facilities district to be distributed to the county where the convention and trade center is located, with the stipulation that these funds must support community-initiated equitable development and affordable housing programs.

Additionally, the bill outlines the conditions under which public facilities districts can impose excise taxes on lodging, including specific exemptions for smaller lodging establishments and short-term rentals. It establishes a maximum tax rate of 7 percent in the largest city within the district and 2.8 percent in other areas, while also detailing the process for transferring tax revenues to the state and the obligations of the public facilities district regarding annual payments. The legislation aims to ensure that tax revenues are utilized effectively for public facilities and community development initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.100.040