The bill amends RCW 67.28.1816 to impose a limit on the operational expenditures for tourism-related facilities owned or operated by municipalities and public facilities districts. Specifically, it stipulates that support for the operations of these facilities is restricted to a maximum of five percent of the total annual lodging tax revenues collected in a calendar year. This change aims to ensure that a significant portion of lodging tax revenues is allocated towards tourism marketing and special events designed to attract visitors, rather than being overly consumed by operational costs.

Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for applicants seeking to use lodging tax revenues, mandating that they provide estimates of how the funds will increase travel for business or pleasure. In municipalities with populations of 5,000 or more, applications must be submitted to a local lodging tax advisory committee, which will recommend candidates for funding to the municipality. Recipients of the funds are also required to report on the actual number of travelers attracted by their initiatives, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of lodging tax revenues.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 67.28.1816