HB1404: HB1404 Pooler, City of; levy an excise tax

26 LC 47 4028/AP House Bill 1404 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE) By: Representatives Stephens of the 164th, Hitchens of the 161st, and Gilliard of the 162nd A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To authorize the governing authority of the City of Pooler to levy an excise tax pursuant to1 subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; to provide procedures, conditions,2 and limitations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conf licting laws; and for other3 purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 Pursuant to the authority of subsection (b) of Code Section 48- 13-51 of the O.C.G.A., the7 governing authority of the City of Pooler is authorized to levy an excise tax at a rate not to8 exceed 6 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or9 rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished by any person or legal entity licensed by, or10 required to pay business or occupation taxes to, the municipality for operating a hotel, motel,11 inn, lodge, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, or any oth er place in which rooms,12 lodgings, or accommodations are regularly or periodically furnished for value.13 H. B. 1404 - 1 - 26 LC 47 4028/AP SECTION 2.14 The enactment of this Act is subsequent to the adoption of a re solution by the governing15 authority of the City of Pooler on January 20, 2026, which specifies the subsequent tax rate,16 identifies the projects or tourism product development purposes, and specifies the allocation17 of proceeds.18 SECTION 3.19 In accordance with the terms of such resolution adopted by the mayor and council of the City20 of Pooler:21 (1) In each fiscal year during which a tax is collected pursua nt to paragraph (2) of22 subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A., an amount equal to not less than23 50 percent of the total amount of taxes collected that exceeds the amount of taxes that24 would be collected at the rate of 5 percent shall be expended f or promoting tourism,25 conventions, and trade shows by the destination marketing organization designated by the26 City of Pooler or by such other entity already authorized to ad minister tourism funds27 pursuant to existing contracts as specified in paragraph (2) of subsection (e) of Code28 Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; and29 (2) The remaining amount of taxes collected that exceeds the amount of taxes that would30 be collected at the rate of 5 percent which is not otherwise expended under paragraph (1)31 of this section shall be expended for tourism product development.32 SECTION 4.33 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.34 H. B. 1404 - 2 -