Bill > SB1306

This bill updates Tennessee's tourism-related statutes by restructuring the Department of Tourist Development and its responsibilities. Specifically, the bill creates a new marketing division within the department, with the commissioner empowered to appoint a division head who will focus on promoting new tourism investments, providing services to existing tourism enterprises, promoting Tennessee attractions in other states, and distributing informational publications. Additionally, the bill establishes a new welcome centers division responsible for managing the state's welcome centers, with duties including promoting Tennessee's heritage through various media, training staff, maintaining facilities, and ensuring a positive guest experience. The bill also authorizes the Department of Transportation to assist with welcome center maintenance through agreements with the Department of Tourist Development. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Commissioner of Finance and Administration transfer funds from highway user taxes to support the annual appropriation for welcome center implementation and administration. These changes aim to enhance Tennessee's tourism infrastructure and visitor experience by creating more structured and focused divisions within the state's tourism department.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1306&ga=114