Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SB 349: Hancock County; levy an excise tax pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; authorize the governing authority

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action May 12, 2026 · Passed

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Senate Bill 349

By: Senator Lucas of the 26th

AS PASSED

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

To authorize the governing authority of Hancock County to levy an excise tax pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; to provide for 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 Hancock County is authorized to levy an excise tax 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 county 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 a resolution by the governing authority of Hancock County, 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 such resolution adopted by the governing authority of Hancock County:

(1) In each fiscal year during which a tax is collected pursuant to paragraph (3) 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 exceeds 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 Hancock County or by such other entity already authorized to administer tourism funds pursuant to an existing contract as specified in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; and

(2) The remaining amount of taxes collected that exceeds the amount of taxes that would be collected at the rate of 5 percent which is 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.