Committee reports bill allowing City of Slidell to seek voter approval for hotel occupancy tax

The Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs on April 7 reported Senate Bill 406 favorable, a local measure authorizing the City of Slidell to ask voters for permission to levy and collect a hotel and occupancy tax.

Senator Owen told the committee the bill is a local option that would allow Slidell to place an occupancy-tax proposition before voters. Kenny Tamberella, a Slidell city councilman, testified in favor, saying the city is one of only three municipalities in the state that lacks the authority to seek a hotel-motel tax and that the bill merely grants the city the option to ask voters for the revenue source when a project needs funding. "My name's Kenny Tamberella. I am a councilman representing the city of Slidell, and I'm just here to speak on behalf and support of Senate Bill 406," Tamberella said.

Senator Muñoz asked whether the change should be statewide since only a few municipalities remain without the authority; Senator Owen replied that a statewide approach would be harder and this local bill is the practical path. Senator Reese asked whether the bill should spell out how revenue would be allocated; Owen and Tamberella said the ballot proposition presented to voters would specify distribution.

Senator Luna moved that the committee report the measure favorable; with no objection the committee adopted that motion and reported Senate Bill 406 favorable.

The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the hearing; the chair noted supporters who filed green cards and several supporters who declined to speak. The committee proceeded to other business after reporting the bill favorable.