Bill Text: GA HB642 | 2009-2010 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Columbus, City of; levy an excise tax; authorize

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Passed) 2009-05-11 - Effective Date [HB642 Detail]

Download: Georgia-2009-HB642-Introduced.html

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09 LC 38 0828/AP

House Bill 642 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)

By: Representatives Smyre of the 132nd, Hugley of the 133rd, Smith of the 131st, Smith of the 129th, and Buckner of the 130th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT

To authorize the governing authority of the City of Columbus, Georgia, to levy an excise tax pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; to provide procedures, conditions, and limitations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Pursuant to the authority of subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A., the governing authority of the City of Columbus, Georgia, is authorized to levy an excise tax pursuant to said subsection at a rate not to exceed 8 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by, or required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the municipality for operating a hotel, motel, inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are regularly or periodically furnished for value.

SECTION 2.

The enactment of this Act is subsequent to the adoption of Resolution 565-08 of the governing authority of the City of Columbus, Georgia, which specifies the subsequent tax rate, identifies the projects or tourism product development purposes, and specifies the allocation of proceeds.

SECTION 3.

In accordance with the terms of Resolution 565-08:

(1) In each fiscal year during which a tax is collected under paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A., an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the total amount of taxes collected that exceed the amount of taxes that would be collected at the rate of 5 percent shall be expended for promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows by the destination marketing organization designated by the City of Columbus, Georgia; and

(2) The remaining amount of taxes collected that exceed the amount of taxes that would be collected at the rate of 5 percent which are not otherwise expended under paragraph (1) of this section shall be expended for tourism product development.

SECTION 4.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.