Bill > SB783

This bill establishes a framework for creating Tourism Improvement Districts (TIDs) in Pennsylvania counties, which are geographical areas encompassing hotels that can levy a special assessment fee to fund tourism-related activities. The bill defines a detailed process for how hotels (referred to as "benefited businesses") can petition a county to create a TID, including submitting a preliminary plan that outlines proposed tourism activities, boundaries, budget, and management. Counties can establish multiple TIDs and must follow specific procedural requirements, such as holding public hearings and providing notice to affected businesses. The bill mandates that each TID will be managed by a Tourism Improvement District Management Association (TIDMA), which must be composed primarily of hotel representatives and can sue, contract, conduct tourism activities, and manage funds. The special assessment fees collected can be used for marketing, event promotion, destination development, and other tourism-enhancing activities. The bill also provides mechanisms for amending or dissolving a TID, requires an annual independent audit of the TIDMA's finances, and ensures that county-level tourism funding remains consistent. Notably, hotels representing 40% or more of the total room inventory in a proposed TID can block its establishment or terminate an existing district through a formal objection process.

Business and Industry

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=783