HB 1628

This bill requires the department of tourist development ("department"") to annually confirm the regional tourist organizations for each of this state's nine development districts, as established by the Developmental District Act of 1965. As used in such provision, a ""regional tourism organization"" means a dedicated entity that promotes, develops, and manages tourism within a specific geographic region. Any nonprofit, membership-based organization or tax-exempt public agency that markets to the entire de velopment district may apply to be such an organization. The department must confirm that a regional tourism organization represents the entire development district by receipt of (i) a letter from each of the county mayors in the development district; (i i) a letter from each of the county tourism development or tourism promotion organizations in the development district; or (iii) a membership registry showing each county in the development district is represented by a paid member. Any disputes about whi ch entity is the confirmed regional tourism organization must be resolved by the commissioner of tourist development. Confirmed regional tourism organizations are subject to the supervision and control of the department and must (i) provide the department with progress reports on the success of initiatives and (ii) attend two annual tourism marketing or organizational development conferences. This bill requires at least $35, 000 of state funds to be distributed annually to a confirmed regional tourism organization, with $2.00 of state funds for each $1.00 budgeted to the regional tourism organizations. The department may retain any funds not distributed, and the funds may also be used to match federal funds for tourism promotion programs. Prior to receiving any state funds, the department must approve a regional tourism organization's planned marketing initiatives. Such marketing initiative s must be compatible with the departments brand and must focus on music, history, family adventure, scenic beauty, or outdoor experiences. This bill prohibits total funding for marketing initiatives from exceeding the regional tourism organization's requir ed match. A maximum of 40% of state funds distributed to regional tourism organizations can be used on administrative expenses. Such ""administrative expenses"" include office rent, then rental or purchase of office equipment, the purchase of specialized ma rketing equipment, and other essentials for daily business operations. Employee compensation is generally not an administrative expense. However, a regional tourism organization may request to spend up to 50% of its funds on administrative expenses if i t employs at least one full-time position dedicated to tourism activity and verifies the position is budgeted for without the use of state funds. ON MARCH 30, 2026, THE HOUSE SUBSTITUTED SENATE BILL 1887, ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 1887, AS AMENDED. AMENDMENT #1 clarifies that, for purposes of the bill, salaries of any employees of a regional tourism organization are included in the definition of ""administrative expenses."" ON APRIL 2, 2026, THE SENATE CONCURRED IN HOUSE AMENDMENT #1."