HB1599: Tourism improvement districts.

Legislative Summary

Tourism improvement districts. Provides that a person may circulate a petition to create a tourism improvement district (district) within the territory of a county, city, or town. Specifies the contents of the tourism improvement district plan that must be filed with a petition to establish a district. Excludes property that receives a homestead standard deduction from inclusion within a district. Provides that owners of real property or businesses located within a district may be charged a special assessment to fund improvements and other district activities. Provides that, after a hearing on a petition to establish a district, a county, city, or town legislative body may adopt the ordinance establishing the district only if it determines that the petition has been signed by at least 50% of the owners of real property or businesses within the district who will pay the special assessment. Specifies the contents of the ordinance establishing a district and the length of time for which a district may exist. Allows a district to issue bonds. Requires the county, city, or town legislative body to contract with a nonprofit district management association to administer and implement the district's activities and improvements.