HB 1820 -- TOURISM TAX

CO-SPONSORS:  Phillips, Harding

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Tourism,
Recreation and Cultural Affairs by a vote of 18 to 0.

Currently, Platte County is authorized to impose, upon voter
approval, a room tax of one-fourth of 1% on all transient guests
of hotels or motels.  The tax is used for the promotion of
tourism.  This bill increases the allowable tax to one-half of 1%
and also allows Clay County to impose the tax.  The bill also
clarifies that the tax is in addition to any hotel tax imposed by
the City of Kansas City.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill will help Clay and
Platte counties.  Supporters say one out of every five jobs in
Platte County is tourist related.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Phillips and
Harding; and Clay and Platte county commissions.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that most rooms
affected are in the Kansas City area.  Opponents say Kansas City
currently has the twelfth highest hotel-motel tax in the nation.

Testifying against the bill was Missouri Hotel Association.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:02 am