Bill > HB2270

This bill allows small cities in Washington, specifically those with fewer than 5,000 residents, to use up to 15 percent of their lodging tax revenue for a broader range of purposes beyond just tourism promotion. Lodging taxes, also known as hotel taxes, are typically collected by local governments on hotel stays. Currently, these funds are generally restricted to tourism promotion, acquiring tourism-related facilities, or operating them. This bill would permit these small cities to also use a portion of these funds for infrastructure improvements, secondary roadways, recreational facilities, and tourist season law enforcement. Before a city can adopt this alternative use of lodging tax revenue, it must provide public notice in a local newspaper, hold a public hearing, and allow for significant input from businesses and the public. This change aims to provide greater flexibility for small municipalities in addressing local needs while still supporting tourism.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2270&Year=2025&Initiative=false