WashingtonTourism businesses may fund statewide promotion if sectors approve fees
Washington tourism businesses may pay annual fees for statewide promotion after their sector approves the program in a referendum.
What it does
Tourism businesses may pay annual fees for statewide promotion if their sector approves the program. Tribes and businesses on tribal land are excluded unless they opt in.
Business representatives set an annual budget and track the program. The tourism authority must approve or reject the budget but cannot rewrite it.
A person who does not pay a due fee may owe a collection charge of up to 10 percent. The authority may sue to collect the debt.
Argument forIf businesses approve the fees, they could pool money for statewide tourism promotion, with spending guided by a board representing businesses that pay.
Argument againstBusinesses in an approving sector could owe annual fees tied to gross revenue, and late payment could add a collection charge of up to 10 percent.
More detail
The authority may collect annual fees from participating tourism businesses. Covered businesses must earn a significant share of their Washington revenue from tourism; listed sectors include lodging, travel services, attractions, recreation, beverage producers, and restaurants or retailers with over $5 million in yearly revenue. The affected sector must approve the program in a referendum before fees can be collected. Tribes, tribal businesses, and businesses on tribal land are excluded unless they officially opt in. The authority must hold the first referendum within three years of the section's effective date. Fees may begin after approval and are collected annually.
A board representing businesses subject to the fees develops the program's budget and spending plan. The board represents tourism businesses subject to the assessment and monitors how well the program works. The authority, with review by the commerce director, must approve or reject the board's annual budget and may not rewrite it. Fee money must be used only for tourism promotion. The board develops a yearly budget and report and meets at least once every three months.
The authority may pursue unpaid fees as debts and add a collection charge. These rules apply to anyone assessed or otherwise responsible for a fee that is due. The added charge may not exceed 10 percent of the assessment. The authority may sue in civil court to collect an unpaid amount. A fee is due when the authority calls for payment. The charge may apply if the full amount is not paid by its due date.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Mar 26Effective date 6/11/2026.Latest
- Mar 26Chapter 229, 2026 Laws.Major
- Mar 26Governor Bob Ferguson signed.Became Law
- Mar 12Delivered to Governor.To Governor
- Mar 12President signed.Major
- Mar 12Speaker signed.Passed Senate
- Mar 11Passed final passage; yeas, 91; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 2.Passed House
- Vote recorded Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (#21). Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 11House concurred in Senate amendments.
- Mar 10Third reading, passed; yeas, 43; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 1.Minor
- Vote recorded Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (#16). Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Mar 10Floor amendment(s) adopted.
- Mar 3Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.Minor
- Mar 2Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- Mar 2Minority; without recommendation.Minor
- Mar 2WM - Majority; do pass.Minor
- Mar 2Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 10:30 AM.
- Feb 26Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways & Means at 1:30 PM.
- Feb 24First reading, referred to Ways & Means.Minor
- Feb 23Third reading, passed; yeas, 84; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 9.Minor
- Vote recorded 3rd Reading & Final Passage (#1). Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 23Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.Minor
- Feb 23Floor amendment(s) adopted.
- Feb 232nd substitute bill substituted (FIN 26).Major
- Feb 13Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.Minor
- Feb 9Referred to Rules 2 Review.Minor
- Feb 9Minority; without recommendation.Minor
- Feb 9Minority; do not pass.Minor
- Feb 9FIN - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.Major
- Feb 9Executive action taken in the House Committee on Finance at 8:00 AM.
- Feb 5Public hearing in the House Committee on Finance at 8:00 AM.
- Jan 30Referred to Finance.Minor
- Jan 28TEDV - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.Major
- Jan 28Executive action taken in the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans at 8:00 AM.
- Jan 21Public hearing in the House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans at 8:00 AM.
- Jan 12First reading, referred to Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.Minor
- Jan 8Prefiled for introduction.Introduced
Economy & Jobs