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Bill > S871


NJ S871

NJ S871
Allocates all revenue from hotel and motel occupancy fee for arts, historical heritage, and tourism purposes.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill increases the allocation of revenues from the hotel and motel occupancy fee towards arts, historical heritage, and tourism purposes from 40 percent to 100 percent, beginning in State Fiscal Year 2023. Under current law, the allocation of 40 percent of hotel and motel occupancy fee revenue is as follows: 1) 22.68 percent to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for cultural projects as long as the actual dollar amount allocated is at least $31.9 million; 2) 3.84 percent to the New Jersey Historical commission for historical heritage purposes, as long as at least $5.5 million is allocated; 3) 12.76 percent to the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State for tourism as long as at least $17.6 million is allocated; and 4) 0.72 percent to the New Jersey Cultural Trust as long as the amount is not less than $720,000. Under this bill, 100 percent of the hotel and motel occupancy fee revenues would allocated as follows: 1) 56.7 percent would go to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for cultural projects as long as the actual dollar amount allocated is at least $31.9 million; 2) 9.6 percent would go to the New Jersey Historical commission for historical heritage purposes, as long as at least $5.5 million is allocated; 3) 31.9 percent would go to the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State for tourism as long as at least $17.6 million is allocated; and 4) 1.8 percent would go to the New Jersey Cultural Trust as long as the amount is not less than $720,000.

AI Summary

This bill, effective immediately, redirects 100 percent of the revenue generated from the hotel and motel occupancy fee, which is a fee charged to guests for staying in hotels and motels, towards arts, historical heritage, and tourism purposes, starting in State Fiscal Year 2023. Previously, only 40 percent of this revenue was allocated to these areas. Under the new provisions, the New Jersey State Council on the Arts will receive 56.7 percent for cultural projects, the New Jersey Historical Commission will get 9.6 percent for historical heritage initiatives, the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State will be allocated 31.9 percent for tourism promotion, and the New Jersey Cultural Trust will receive 1.8 percent, with each allocation having minimum dollar amount requirements to ensure substantial funding.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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