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House approves performance-based tourism fund with initial $10 million appropriation
Summary
Lawmakers approved Senate Bill 7 to create a performance-based tourism fund funded by growth in tourism-related revenues; proponents said the fund will be measured against returns, while opponents warned about fiscal trade-offs. The House passed the measure 70–3.
The Utah House on March 2 approved Senate Bill 7 to create a performance-based tourism promotion fund intended to boost the state's competitiveness with neighboring states.
Representative Hughes, sponsor of the measure, described the plan as performance-driven: after an initial appropriation the fund would be tied to growth in areas such as eating and drinking, lodging, automotive rentals and recreation. "This bill is performance based," Hughes said, noting that the fund will be measured by whether appropriated dollars generate new tourism revenue for the state.
Hughes outlined a first-year appropriation of $10 million and said the program is designed so appropriations would phase down unless the fund demonstrates sufficient returns. Supporters compared Utah's proposed fund to budgets in neighboring states and argued the investment could protect market share and job growth tied to tourism.
Opponents asked for clarity on recent amendments and appropriations history; the House considered the bill under suspension of the rules because of its fiscal impact. Final roll call recorded 70 yes votes, 3 no votes. The bill will be sent to the Senate for further action.
