SPONSOR: Kelly (141)
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Ways and Means by a vote of 7 to 0.
This bill provides that, from August 28, 2021 to June 30, 2023, a retailer may retain the full amount of state sales or use tax on any sales of admission tickets to movies, films, concerts or other musical performances, and the concessions sold at those events.
This bill is similar to SB 529 (2021).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that shutdown restrictions financially harmed businesses such as movie theaters, concert venues, and other businesses that retain and remit sales taxes that are outlined in the bill. These businesses depended on individuals being able to come to their venues to generate income and did not have an alternate way to generate revenue. Some of these businesses are still suffering even though shutdowns have been lifted, because they currently have capacity limitations. Additionally, some of these businesses did not qualify for certain federal assistance programs, such as PPP loans, because they did not fall within the thresholds outlined in federal law. These businesses are the cultural centers of communities and provide an economic multiplier effect because individuals that utilize these businesses often complement their entertainment activities with other activities such as dining out and renting hotel rooms, along with boosting tourism. Supporters say that by allowing for the temporary retention of the sales tax otherwise due on these sales, it would provide a boost to industries that were hammered by the pandemic.
Testifying for the bill were Representative Kelly; Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB; Bobbie Bagby Ford, B&B Theatres; David Gerardi, Live Nation; St. Louis Area Hotel Association; Karl Mittler, Cinema 1 Plus; and Missouri Citizens For The Arts.
OPPONENTS: Those who oppose the bill submitted online written testimony
Testifying against the bill were Scott Mckellar and Arnie Dienoff.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: