Authorizes a transient guest tax for tourism purposes in Richmond
Summary
HB1277 repeals and reenacts Missouri’s transient guest tax statute, section 67.1360, to authorize certain cities and counties to levy a local tax on charges for sleeping rooms used by transient guests. The tax may apply to hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and docking facilities that rent slips to transient recreational boaters. The bill sets the permissible rate at not less than 2% and not more than 5% per occupied room per night, and requires voter approval before the tax can take effect.
The bill is structured as a highly specific local-authority measure, listing numerous population- and classification-based categories of cities and counties that may impose the tax. Although the caption indicates the measure is intended to authorize a transient guest tax for tourism purposes in Richmond, the text also updates the broader statutory framework for other similarly described local governments. Revenue from the tax must be used solely to promote tourism, and the tax must be separately stated from other charges and taxes.
Impact
HB1277 would amend Missouri law governing local tourism-related transient guest taxes by replacing the existing section 67.1360 with a new version that expands and restates which local governments may seek voter approval to impose the tax. It affects hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and certain marina/docking facilities, while also preserving a special exemption for motels owned by not-for-profit organizations in one listed category. The bill does not create a statewide tax; instead, it authorizes eligible local governments to ask voters to approve a dedicated tourism tax and directs the proceeds to tourism promotion only.
Sentiment
The available context suggests generally favorable or at least routine support for a local tourism-financing tool, with the bill caption framing it as an authorization for Richmond. No committee transcript or recorded vote information is provided, so there is no evidence of formal opposition or debate in the supplied materials. The measure appears to be presented as a targeted local economic development and tourism promotion bill rather than a controversial statewide policy change.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the use of a tax on transient lodging and the bill’s highly specific population-based classifications, which can make the statute appear tailored to particular communities. Local lodging operators, transient guests, and taxpayers could object to the added cost, while supporters would likely emphasize tourism promotion and local control. Another possible issue is the breadth of the rewritten statute, which includes many local government categories beyond Richmond, even though the bill caption highlights Richmond specifically.