❌ HB138
Authorize the creation of tourism promotion districts
Summary
The bill authorizes the creation of tourism promotion districts by municipal corporations, townships, or counties, allowing them to levy benefit assessments on lodging businesses within these districts to fund supplemental services and improvements aimed at promoting tourism. The districts can be established for terms of three to ten years, and provisions are included for public hearings, district management associations, and the issuance of revenue bonds.
Rationale
The bill involves government intervention in the economy through the establishment of tourism promotion districts and the levying of assessments on lodging businesses, which conflicts with the Libertarian principles of minimal government involvement and free market operations. Both the LP and LPO platforms advocate for limited government and oppose legislation that imposes financial burdens on individuals or businesses.
Risks and Concerns
- Increased government control over local economies
- Potential for misuse of funds collected through assessments
- Creation of cronyism or favoritism in tourism promotion