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Committee hears bill to make $3 tourism charge permanent for existing TPAs

Washington State House Finance Committee · February 5, 2026
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Summary

House Bill 22-78 would remove the July 1, 2027, expiration on an additional $3 per-room-per-night charge that some tourism promotion areas (TPAs) impose to fund local tourism marketing. Supporters said the revenue helps local advertising and events; staff said it increases local revenue by about $4 million in the 2027–29 biennium.

House Finance took testimony on House Bill 22-78 on Feb. 6, a bill to remove the July 1, 2027 expiration date on an additional $3 per-room-per-night charge that some local tourism promotion areas use to fund advertising and destination marketing.

Martha Whaling, staff to the Technology, Economic Development and Veterans Committee, told the committee the law allows counties, cities and towns to create tourism promotion areas that can charge up to $2 per room per night and an additional $3 per room per night; HB 22-78 would remove the expiration…

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