Bill > HB544

This bill allows municipalities in New Hampshire to implement an optional local public safety assessment on hotel occupancies to help fund municipal services related to increased tourism and transient traffic. Under the proposed law, a town or city can vote to collect a daily fee of up to $2 per hotel room occupancy, or a percentage equivalent to $2, for a maximum of 30 consecutive days per visit. The fee would only apply to hotel stays where the average daily price exceeds $40. If approved by a majority vote at a town meeting or city council vote, the collected funds must be deposited into a designated special revenue fund such as a capital reserve fund or tourism support fund. The municipality must hold a public hearing at least 15-30 days before the vote, with public notice posted in at least two locations and published in a local newspaper. Hotel owners or operators may retain up to 3% of the collected fee for maintenance and service-related purposes. The legislation provides a mechanism for municipalities to both adopt and potentially rescind the assessment, giving local governments flexibility in managing tourism-related expenses.

Government Affairs

https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_status.aspx?lsr=0372&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB544