Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Industry-led tourism assessment bill draws broad industry support, limited opposition at committee hearing
Summary
Supporters told the Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee HB 2,325 would enable industry-funded statewide tourism marketing and could generate roughly $25 million annually; opponents warned it could burden small businesses and create unelected taxing authorities.
The Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee heard testimony Jan. 21 on House Bill 2,325, which would authorize an industry-created, state-backed tourism assessment program to fund statewide tourism promotion.
Representative Paul, the bill’s prime sponsor, told the committee the proposal gives the tourism sector “the opportunity to assess itself” and would not tax residents. Martha Whaling, staff to the committee, said the bill directs the Washington Tourism Marketing Authority to develop the program, requires a…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
