A bill

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 6-4-10, RELATING TO THE EXPENDITURE OF THE LOCAL ACCOMMODATIONS TAX, SO AS TO INCLUDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR HOSPITALITY WORKERS AS A TOURISM-RELATED EXPENDITURE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   Section 6-4-10(4)(b) of the S.C. Code is amended to read:

   (b) The funds received by a county or municipality which has a high concentration of tourism activity may be used to provide additional county and municipal services including, but not limited to, law enforcement, traffic control, public facilities, and highway and street maintenance, as well as the continual promotion of tourism. The funds must not be used as an additional source of revenue to provide services normally provided by the county or municipality but to promote tourism and enlarge its economic benefits through advertising, promotion, and providing those facilities and services which enhance the ability of the county or municipality to attract and provide for tourists.

      "Tourism-related expenditures" include:

         (i) advertising and promotion of tourism so as to develop and increase tourist attendance through the generation of publicity;

         (ii) promotion of the arts and cultural events;

         (iii) construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities for civic and cultural activities including construction and maintenance of access and other nearby roads and utilities for the facilities;

         (iv) the criminal justice system, law enforcement, fire protection, solid waste collection, and health facilities when required to serve tourists and tourist facilities. This is based on the estimated percentage of costs directly attributed to tourists;

         (v) public facilities such as restrooms, dressing rooms, parks, and parking lots;

         (vi) tourist shuttle transportation;

         (vii) control and repair of waterfront erosion, including beach renourishment;

         (viii) operating visitor information centers; and

         (ix) the provision of affordable housing for hospitality workers.

   

SECTION 2.   This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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