Bill > HB1321

This bill restructures Tennessee's tourism operations by creating two key divisions within the Department of Tourist Development: a marketing division and a welcome centers division. The marketing division will be responsible for promoting new tourism investments, providing services to existing tourism enterprises, marketing Tennessee attractions in other states, and distributing informational publications. The welcome centers division will oversee the state's welcome centers, with specific responsibilities including promoting Tennessee's heritage through various media, training staff about state history and attractions, staffing centers according to department guidelines, maintaining facilities and grounds, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. The bill also authorizes the Department of Transportation to assist with welcome center maintenance through agreements with the Department of Tourist Development. Additionally, 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 management of tourism-related activities and facilities.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1321&ga=114