Ga. Code § 48-13-51

Current through 2023-2024 Legislative Session Chapter 709

Section 48-13-51 - County and municipal levies on public accommodations charges for promotion of tourism, conventions, and trade shows

(a)

(1)

(A)

(i) The governing authority of each municipality in this state may levy and collect an excise tax upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations facilitated or furnished by an innkeeper.

(ii) Within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county, each county in this state may levy and collect an excise tax upon the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations facilitated or furnished by an innkeeper.

(iii) The provisions of this Code section shall control over the provisions of any local ordinance or resolution to the contrary enacted pursuant to Code Section 48-13-53 and in effect prior to July 1, 1998, or enacted pursuant to this article and in effect prior to July 1, 2021. Any such ordinance shall not be deemed repealed by this Code section but shall be administered in conformity with this Code section.

(B)

(i) The excise tax shall be imposed on the innkeeper and shall apply to the furnishing for value of any room, lodging, or accommodation. Every person or entity subject to a tax levied as provided in this Code section shall, except as provided in this Code section, be liable for the tax at the applicable rate on the lodging charges actually collected or, if the amount of taxes collected from the guest is in excess of the total amount that should have been collected, the total amount actually collected must be remitted.

(ii) Any tax levied as provided in this Code section is also imposed upon every person or entity who is a guest and who receives a room, lodging, or accommodation that is subject to the tax levied under this Code section. Every such guest subject to the tax levied under this Code section shall pay the tax to the innkeeper providing or facilitating the room, lodging, or accommodation. The tax shall be a debt of the person obtaining the room, lodging, or accommodation to the innkeeper providing or facilitating such room, lodging, or accommodation until it is paid and shall be recoverable at law by the innkeeper providing or facilitating such room, lodging, or accommodation in the same manner as authorized for the recovery of other debts. The innkeeper collecting the tax from the guest shall remit the tax to the governing authority imposing the tax, and the tax remitted shall be a credit against the tax imposed by division (i) of this subparagraph on the innkeeper providing or facilitating the room, lodging, or accommodation.

(C) Reserved.

(D) Except as provided in paragraphs (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), and (5.3) of this subsection, no tax levied pursuant to this Code section shall be levied or collected at a rate exceeding 3 percent of the charge to the public for the furnishings.

(2) A county or municipality levying a tax as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall in each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, expend for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows a percentage of the total taxes collected under this Code section which is not less than the percentage of such tax collections expended for such purposes during the immediately preceding fiscal year. In addition, if during such immediately preceding fiscal year any portion of such tax receipts was expended for such purposes through a grant to or a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization, then in each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, at least the same percentage shall be expended through a contract or contracts with one or more such entities for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows. The expenditure requirements of this paragraph shall cease to apply to a county or municipality which levies a tax at a rate in excess of 3 percent, as authorized under paragraphs (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), and (5.3) of this subsection; and in such case the expenditure requirements of such paragraph of this subsection pursuant to which such tax is levied shall apply instead.

(2.1)

(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and municipalities within such a county in which county or municipality community auditorium or theater facilities owned and operated by a municipality have been renovated which renovations are completed substantially on or before July 1, 1995, and which county and municipalities have not previously levied a 6 percent tax under paragraph (4) of this subsection may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent.

(B) A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of general recreation. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with a recreation authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.

(2.2)

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph, the term:

(i) "Charitable trust" shall have the meaning given such term in subsection (d) of Code Section 48-13-55.

(ii) "Development authority" means a development authority created pursuant to Chapter 62 of Title 36, the "Development Authorities Law."

(iii) "Facility" or "facilities" means any of the buildings, structures, and facilities described in division (ii) of subparagraph (D) of this paragraph.

(iv) "Functionally related business" shall have the meaning given such term in subsection (d) of Code Section 48-13-55.

(v) "Fund" or "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things necessary for the construction and operation of a facility or facilities, including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, financing (including the payment of principal of and interest on any obligation of a development authority to finance such facility or facilities or refund any obligation of a development authority previously issued to finance such facility or facilities), development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities and the repayment of any obligation incurred in connection therewith.

(vi) "Obligation" means bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys, having an initial term of not more than 35 years.

(vii) "Related entity" means, with respect to a charitable trust, a functionally related business of such charitable trust, or any for profit or not for profit entity owned by or under common ownership with such charitable trust or owned by or under common ownership with a functionally related business of such charitable trust or otherwise affiliated with such charitable trust in a manner approved by the development authority.

(B) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or any municipality within such county in which is located, in either case, a convention and conference center which is at least 50,000 square feet in size and is owned in fee simple by a development authority and leased by such development authority to a charitable trust or a related entity thereof, and in which county or municipality there exists a private sector nonprofit organization which, on or before December 31, 2005, entered into a contract or a memorandum of understanding with the county or municipality and the aforementioned charitable trust pursuant to Code Section 48-13-55 relating to the expenditure of the proceeds of the tax collected under this Code section, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent.

(C) The proceeds of the taxes collected under this paragraph shall be expended pursuant to a contract or a memorandum of understanding between the county or municipality, the private sector nonprofit organization, and the charitable trust, and such proceeds may be expended by or for the benefit of the county or municipality, the private sector nonprofit organization, or the charitable trust and related entities thereof for the purposes described in subparagraph (D) of this paragraph, provided that the expenditure of the proceeds of the tax levied on a charitable trust or a functionally related business thereof shall meet the requirements of Code Section 48-13-55.

(D) The proceeds of the taxes collected under this paragraph may be expended for any or all of the following purposes:

(i) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(ii) Promoting, attracting, stimulating, and developing conventions and tourism pursuant to Code Section 48-13-55; or

(iii) Funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, and equipping buildings, structures, infrastructure, and facilities which have the effect of promoting, attracting, stimulating, and developing conventions and tourism, including, but not limited to, a hotel facility and infrastructure and utility projects, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph, secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the county or municipality to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holder of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a development authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligation.

(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of:

(A) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(B) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(C) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987;

(D) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds;

(E) Supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and if such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; or

(F) For some combination of such purposes.

(3.1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center authority has been created by intergovernmental contract between a county and one or more municipalities located therein, and which trade and convention center authority is in existence on or before March 21, 1988, and which trade and convention center authority has not constructed or operated any facility before March 21, 1988, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of:

(A) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(B) Funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, and equipping buildings, structures, and facilities, including, but not limited to, a trade and convention center, exhibit hall, conference center, performing arts center, accommodations facilities including food service, or any combination thereof, for convention, trade show, athletic, musical, theatrical, cultural, civic, and performing arts purposes and other events and activities for similar and related purposes, acquiring the necessary property therefor, both real and personal, and funding all expenses incident thereto, and supporting, maintaining, and promoting such facilities owned, operated, or leased by or to the local trade and convention center authority; or

(C) For some combination of such purposes;

provided, however, that at least 50 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent shall be expended for the purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, a local building authority created by local constitutional amendment, and a trade and convention center authority created by intergovernmental contract between a county and one or more municipalities located therein, or a private sector nonprofit organization or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities. The aggregate amount of all excise taxes imposed under this paragraph and all sales and use taxes, and other taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall not exceed 13 percent. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall terminate not later than December 31, 2029, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph, secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interests and rights of the holder of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a building authority created by local constitutional amendment, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph, the term "fund" or "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a building authority created by local constitutional amendment for the construction and operation of a facility or facilities, including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, financing, including the payment of principal and interest on any obligation of the building authority created by local constitutional amendment and any obligation of the building authority created by local constitutional amendment to refund any prior obligation of the building authority created by local constitutional amendment, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities and the repayment of any obligation incurred by an authority in connection therewith; "obligation" shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an initial term of not more than 37 years; and "facility" or "facilities" means any of the buildings, structures, and facilities described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of such facility used for any purpose or purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph by a building authority created by local constitutional amendment.

(3.2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and is substantially funded by a state grant or grants authorized on or before January 1, 1996, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 33 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization. In addition to the amounts required to be expended by this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating trade and convention facilities. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such a facility and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such a facility. In the event such facility is not constructed, collected funds may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph.

(3.3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and which facility was completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1994, and which county and municipalities have not previously levied a 6 percent tax under paragraph (4) of this subsection, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph an amount which is equal to (A) an amount which is not less than the amount which would have been spent if the tax rate had not been increased to 6 percent and if the same percentage of tax collections expended for such purposes during the immediately preceding fiscal year were expended for such purposes during the current fiscal year plus (B) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent.

(3.4) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of:

(A) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(B) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(F) For some combination of such purposes.

(3.5) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a local consolidated government (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county the boundary of which is conterminous with that of such local consolidated government) may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows through a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization. In addition to the amounts thus required to be expended, a local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of supporting a civic center owned and operated by the local consolidated government.

(3.6) Reserved.

(3.7)

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent for the purpose of:

(i) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(ii) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(iii) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987;

(iv) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds;

(v) Supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and if such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; or

(vi) For some combination of such purposes.

(B) Amounts expended pursuant to subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended pursuant to division (iii) or (iv) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner.

(3.8)

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 8 percent if there is located in such county or municipality an international horse park which was used in Olympic Games competition and which was in operation prior to January 1, 1999. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 4 percent for the purpose of:

(i) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows; or

(ii) Supporting a publicly owned facility operated for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes.

(C) In addition to the other amounts required to be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent for the purpose of constructing, developing, supporting, and operating a nature center, nature park, wetlands education center, or nature museum for educational and recreational purposes or any other similar purposes. Amounts which are expended to meet the 16 2/3 percent expenditure requirement of this subparagraph shall not be subject to the provisions of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or contracts with certain entities.

(4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to at least 43 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of:

(A) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(B) supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(C) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local authority or local government for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987;

(D) supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded prior to July 1, 1990, in whole or in part by a grant of state funds or is funded on or after July 1, 1990, in whole or substantially by an appropriation of state funds;

(E) supporting a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993; or

(F) for some combination of such purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for purposes (C) and (D) may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner. In addition to the amounts required to be expended above, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to at least 1 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of supporting a museum of aviation and aviation hall of fame or an amount equal to at least 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 6 percent for the purpose of:

(A) construction or expansion of either:

(i) a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(ii) a facility owned or operated by a local authority or local government for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if such support is provided to a governmental entity with which the county or municipality levying the tax had in effect on January 1, 1987, a contractual agreement concerning governmental support of a convention and trade show facility;

(iii) a facility owned or operated for convention and trade show purposes, visitor welcome center purposes, or any other similar or related purposes by a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality;

(iv) a facility owned or operated for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes by a coliseum and exhibit hall authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a county and one or more municipalities therein;

(v) a facility owned by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes and any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is substantially funded or was substantially funded on or after February 28, 1985, by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, and such facility was substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 1993;

(vi) a system of bicycle or pedestrian trails or walkways or both connecting a historic district within the levying county or municipality and surrounding areas (and with respect to this purpose (vi) construction and expansion shall include acquisition and development), if not later than December 1, 1993, the county or municipality has adopted ordinances, resolutions, or contracts which:

(I) designate such historic district;

(II) obligate the county or municipality to provide funds to promote tourism to a historic district owners and business association which qualifies as a private sector nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(III) provide a "comprehensive plan" as provided for in Chapters 70 and 71 of Title 36;

(IV) provide a transportation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan; and

(V) provide a recreation plan which is designed to identify recreation needs through the year 2000 and which includes provisions for such system of trails or walkways or both; provided that the authority to expend funds for such system of trails or walkways or both shall expire when all capital costs of the initial acquisition, construction, and development of such system as identified in the relevant plan have been paid and in no event later than July 1, 2002. Amounts so expended to meet such 16 2/3 percent expenditure requirement shall not be subject to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or contracts with certain entities; or

(vii) a system of bicycle or pedestrian greenways, trails, walkways, or any combination thereof connecting a downtown historic or business district within the levying county or municipality and surrounding areas (and with respect to this purpose (vii) construction and expansion shall include acquisition and development), if not later than December 1, 2000, the county or municipality has adopted ordinances, resolutions, or contracts which:

(I) designate such historic or downtown business district;

(II) obligate the county or municipality to provide funds to promote tourism to a downtown business district owners and business association or chamber of commerce which qualifies as a private sector nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code;

(III) provide a "comprehensive plan" as provided for in Chapters 70 and 71 of Title 36;

(IV) provide a transportation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan; and

(V) provide a recreation plan as a component of such comprehensive plan which includes provisions for such system of trails or walkways or both; provided that the authority to expend funds for such system of trails or walkways or both shall expire when all capital costs of the initial acquisition, construction, and development of such system as identified in the relevant plan have been paid and in no event later than July 1, 2025; or

(B) promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows. Amounts so expended to meet such 16 2/3 percent expenditure requirement shall not be subject to the foregoing provisions of this paragraph requiring expenditure through a contract or contracts with certain entities.

(4.1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality within a county in which a coliseum authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly and which authority is in existence on or before July 1, 1963, for the purpose of owning or operating a facility, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of:

(A) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(B) Funding and supporting a facility owned or operated by such coliseum authority; or

(C) For some combination of such purposes.

Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, a local coliseum authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for the purpose of subparagraph (B) of this paragraph may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner without the necessity of a contract. The aggregate amount of all excise taxes imposed under this paragraph and all sales and use taxes, and other taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall not exceed 12 percent. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall terminate not later than December 31, 2028, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation which is incurred prior to January 1, 1995, issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph, and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a coliseum and exhibit hall authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph, the term "fund" and "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a local coliseum authority for the construction, renovation, and operation of a facility, including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, finance, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities, and the repayment of any obligation incurred by a local coliseum authority in connection therewith; "obligation" shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys incurred prior to January 1, 1995, and having an initial term of not more than 30 years; and "facility" means a coliseum or other facility and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of a facility used for convention and trade show purposes or amusement purposes, educational purposes, or a combination thereof and for fairs, expositions, or exhibitions in connection therewith by a local coliseum authority.

(4.2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a local consolidated government (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county the boundary of which is conterminous with that of such local consolidated government) may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A local consolidated government levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this Code section exceed the taxes which would be collected at a rate of 3 percent as follows: an amount equal to 28.58 of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows through a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization, an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly, or through a contract or contracts with any combination of such entities; an amount equal to 14.29 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of supporting a civic center owned or operated, or both, by the local consolidated government; and an amount equal to 14.29 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of maintaining and operating a performing arts facility.

(4.3) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) amounts as follows: an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows which amount shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities; and an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of supporting a conference and convention center facility or similar facility owned or operated by an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for convention and conference center purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on or prior to July 1, 1997, and if such conference and convention center facility or similar facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to December 31, 2001, which amounts shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state or an authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.

(4.4) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and municipalities within a county in which community auditorium or theater facilities owned and operated by the municipality or by a local authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for such purpose have been renovated which renovations are completed substantially on or before January 1, 2000, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization and an amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating community auditorium or theater facilities or a community convention or trade center of which the theater or auditorium is a part. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such facilities and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facilities to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such facilities.

(4.5) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) amounts as follows:

(A) An amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of:

(i) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(ii) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(iii) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes; or

(iv) For some combination of such purposes.

(B) An amount equal to 28.58 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of operating, maintaining, and marketing of a conference center facility.

(4.6)

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality within a county in which a convention center authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly and which authority is in existence on or before July 1, 2001, for the purpose of owning or operating a facility may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to at least 40 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 5 percent for the purpose of:

(i) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(ii) Funding and supporting a facility owned or operated by such convention and visitors authority; or

(iii) For some combination of such purposes.

Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention center authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for the purpose of division (ii) of this subparagraph may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner without the necessity of a contract. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall terminate not later than December 31, 2037, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph, and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state, and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a convention center authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph, the terms "fund" and "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a local convention center authority for the construction, renovation, and operation of a facility, including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, finance, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities, and the repayment of any obligation incurred by a local convention center authority in connection therewith; "obligation" shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an initial term of not more than 37 years; and "facility" means a convention center or other facility and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of a facility used for convention and trade show purposes or amusement purposes, educational purposes, or a combination thereof and for fairs, expositions, or exhibitions in connection therewith by a local convention center authority.

(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subparagraph, a municipality located within a standard metropolitan statistical area recognized by the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, which is levying a tax at a rate of 5 percent pursuant to paragraph (3) of this subsection on or before January 1, 1999, and in which an interstate highway is located, shall, on and after April 28, 1999, be authorized to levy and collect a tax under this Code section at a rate of 6 percent. A municipality levying a tax pursuant to this subparagraph shall expend, in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this subparagraph, an amount equal to the amount by which the total taxes collected under this subparagraph exceed the taxes which would have been collected at the rate of 5 percent for the purpose of dispensing information about the qualities of such municipality and promoting business in the municipality and to acquire for such use a building located in an area of high density retail businesses within the limits of such municipality. During any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this subparagraph, and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this subparagraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state, and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this subparagraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a convention center authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations.

(4.7) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a trade and convention center facility is substantially funded by a special county 1 percent sales and use tax authorized by Article 3 of Chapter 8 of this title, as amended, which tax was levied prior to January 1, 1994, and is substantially funded by a state grant or grants authorized on or before January 1, 1996, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 28.6 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization. In addition to the other amounts required to be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating trade and convention facilities which are managed or operated by the Savannah Convention Center. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such a facility and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such a facility. In the event such facility is not constructed, such 14.3 percent may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph. In addition to the amounts required to be expended under this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of planning, constructing, marketing, or operating an attraction honoring the inventor of the cotton gin. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such facility and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facility to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such facility. In the event such facility is not constructed, such 14.3 percent may be used for any lawful purpose relating to tourism by the county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph.

(5)

(A)

(i) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) or municipality is authorized to levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 7 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend an amount equal to at least 51.4 percent of the total taxes collected prior to July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent and an amount equal to at least 32.14 percent of the total taxes collected on or after July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent for the purpose of:

(I) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(II) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a state authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes;

(III) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local authority or local government for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes, if a written agreement to provide such support was in effect on January 1, 1987, and if such facility is substantially completed and in operation prior to July 1, 1987;

(IV) Supporting a facility owned or operated by a local government or local authority for convention and trade show purposes or any other similar or related purposes if construction of such facility is funded or was funded in whole or in part by a grant of state funds; or

(V) For some combination of such purposes.

Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities, except that amounts expended for those purposes specified in subdivisions (III) and (IV) of this division may be so expended in any otherwise lawful manner.

(ii) In addition to the amounts required to be expended under division (i) of this subparagraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 14.3 percent of the total taxes collected prior to July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent and an amount equal to 39.3 percent of the total taxes collected on or after July 1, 1990, at the rate of 7 percent toward funding a multipurpose domed stadium facility. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract originally with the state, a department or agency of the state, or a state authority, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of the above. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall terminate not later than December 31, 2020, unless extended as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation which is incurred prior to January 1, 1991, issued to fund a multipurpose domed stadium as contemplated by this paragraph, and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, or any such obligation which is incurred to refund such an obligation incurred before January 1, 1991, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by an authority of the state, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations.

(B) Notwithstanding the termination date stated in division (ii) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, notwithstanding paragraph (6) of this subsection, and notwithstanding subsection (b) of this Code section, a tax levied under this paragraph may be extended by resolution of the levying county or municipality and continue to be collected through December 31, 2050, if a state authority certifies that:

(i) The same portion of the proceeds will be used to fund a successor facility to the multipurpose domed facility as is currently required to fund the multipurpose domed facility under division (ii) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph;

(ii) Such successor facility will be located on property owned by the state authority; and

(iii) The state authority has entered into a contract with a national football league team for use of the successor facility by the national football league team through the end of the new extended period of the tax collection.

During the extended period of collection provided for in this subparagraph, the county or municipality levying the tax shall continue to comply with the expenditure requirements of division (i) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph. During the extended period of collection, the county or municipality shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected during the extended period of collection) an amount equal to 39.3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent toward funding the successor facility certified by the state authority. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract with the certifying state authority. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall terminate not later than December 31, 2050, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation which is incurred to fund the successor facility certified by the state authority, and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, or any such obligation which is incurred to refund such an obligation, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interest and rights of the holders of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by an authority of the state, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligations.

(C) Notwithstanding any provision of the law to the contrary, and subject to the limitations contained in this subparagraph, a municipality levying a tax a percentage of which is dedicated to financing a multipurpose domed stadium pursuant to division (ii) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be further authorized to expend in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph an amount equal to 39.3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 7 percent toward funding any of the purposes permitted for tourism product development contained in paragraph (6) of Code Section 48-13-50.2. Any funding pursuant to this paragraph shall not commence until the municipality has terminated its obligations under division (ii) of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph and so long as there remains outstanding any obligation which is incurred prior to January 1, 1991, issued to fund a multipurpose domed stadium as contemplated by this paragraph, and secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, or any such obligation which is incurred to refund such an obligation incurred before January 1, 1991.

(5.1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and the municipalities within a county in which a coliseum and exhibit hall authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly for a county and one or more municipalities therein, and which local coliseum and exhibit hall authority is in existence on or before January 1, 1991, and which local coliseum and exhibit hall authority has not constructed or operated any facility before January 1, 1991, may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 8 percent. A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to at least 62 1/2 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent for the purpose of:

(A) Promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows;

(B) Funding, supporting, acquiring, constructing, renovating, improving, and equipping buildings, structures, and facilities, including, but not limited to, a coliseum, exhibit hall, conference center, performing arts center, or any combination thereof, for convention, trade show, athletic, musical, theatrical, cultural, civic, and performing arts purposes and other events and activities for similar and related purposes, acquiring the necessary property therefor, both real and personal, and funding all expenses incident thereto, and supporting, maintaining, and promoting such facilities owned, operated, or leased by or to the local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or a downtown development authority; or

(C) For some combination of such purposes;

provided, however, that at least 50 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent shall be expended for the purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, a state authority, a convention and visitors bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality, a local coliseum and exhibit hall authority, a downtown development authority, or a private sector nonprofit organization, or through a contract or contracts with some combination of such entities. The aggregate amount of all excise taxes imposed under this paragraph and all sales and use taxes, and other taxes imposed by a county or municipality, or both, shall not exceed 13 percent; provided, however, that any sales tax for educational purposes which is imposed pursuant to Article VIII, Section VI, Paragraph IV of the Constitution shall not be included in calculating such limitation. Any tax levied pursuant to this paragraph shall terminate not later than December 31, 2053, provided that during any period during which there remains outstanding any obligation issued to fund a facility as contemplated by this paragraph, secured in whole or in part by a pledge of a tax authorized under this Code section, the powers of the counties and municipalities to impose and distribute the tax imposed by this paragraph shall not be diminished or impaired by the state and no county or municipality levying the tax imposed by this paragraph shall cease to levy the tax in any manner that will impair the interests and rights of the holder of any such obligation. This proviso shall be for the benefit of the holder of any such obligation and, upon the issuance of any such obligation by a local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or a downtown development authority, shall constitute a contract with the holder of such obligation. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code section to the contrary, as used in this paragraph, the term "fund" or "funding" shall include the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or a downtown development authority for the construction and operation of a facility or facilities, including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, financing, including the payment of principal and interest on any obligation of the local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or the downtown development authority and any obligation of the local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or the downtown development authority to refund any prior obligation of the local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or the downtown development authority, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities and the repayment of any obligation incurred by an authority in connection therewith; "obligation" shall include bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an initial term of not more than 37 years; "facility" or "facilities" means any of the buildings, structures, and facilities described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of such facility used for any purpose or purposes specified in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph by a local coliseum and exhibit hall authority or a downtown development authority; and "downtown development authority" means a downtown development authority created by local Act of the General Assembly for a municipality pursuant to a local constitutional amendment.

(5.2)

(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and municipalities within a county in which community auditorium or theater facilities owned and operated by the municipality have been renovated which renovations are completed substantially on or before July 1, 1995, and which county and municipalities have not previously levied a 6 percent tax under paragraph (4) of this subsection may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 8 percent.

(B) A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 33 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent under this subparagraph for the purpose of promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows under a contract with a private sector nonprofit organization.

(C) In addition to the amounts required to be expended pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 16 2/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent for the purpose of either marketing or operating community auditorium or theater facilities or a community convention or trade center of which the theater or auditorium is a part. Marketing and operating expenditures may include a preopening marketing program for such facilities and an escrow account accrued prior to opening such facilities to cover operating expenses to be incurred after the opening of such facilities.

(D) In addition to the amounts required to be expended pursuant to subparagraphs (B) and (C) of this paragraph, a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall further expend (in each fiscal year during which the tax is collected under this paragraph) an amount equal to 33 1/3 percent of the total taxes collected at the rate of 8 percent for general recreation purposes. Amounts so expended shall be expended only through a contract or contracts with a recreation authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.

(5.3)

(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and municipalities within such a county in which a convention and visitor's bureau authority has been created by local Act of the General Assembly which was in existence on July 1, 2005, and which authority is established specifically by such local Act as a permissible, but not exclusive, entity for the transfer of hotel and motel tax funds by the taxing entities of the county for which such authority was created may levy a tax under this Code section at a rate of 5 percent.

(B) The provisions of paragraph (2) of this subsection relating to expenditures shall apply to this paragraph; provided, however, that a county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this paragraph shall be authorized, but not required, to expend funds through a convention and visitor's bureau authority created by local Act of the General Assembly.

(6) Following the termination of a tax under paragraph (2.1), (2.2), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection, any county or municipality which has levied a tax pursuant to paragraph (2.1), (2.2), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection shall levy any future taxes under this Code section in a manner authorized by subsection (b) of this Code section.

(7) As used in this subsection, the term:

(A) "Fund" and "funding" mean the cost and expense of all things deemed necessary by a state authority for the construction and operation of a multipurpose domed stadium and a successor facility to such multipurpose domed stadium, including, but not limited to, the study, operation, marketing, acquisition, construction, finance, development, extension, enlargement, or improvement of land, waters, property, streets, highways, buildings, structures, equipment, or facilities, and the repayment of any obligation incurred by an authority in connection therewith.

(B) "Obligation" means bonds, notes, or any instrument creating an obligation to pay or reserve moneys and having an initial term of not more than 30 years.

(C) "Multipurpose domed stadium facility" means a multipurpose domed stadium facility and any associated parking areas or improvements originally owned or operated incident to the ownership or operation of a facility used for convention and trade show purposes by the state, a department or agency of the state, a state authority, or a combination thereof.

(8) Reserved.

(9)

(A) A county or municipality imposing a tax under paragraph (1), (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection shall, prior to the imposition of the tax (if the tax is imposed on or after July 1, 1990) and prior to each fiscal year thereafter in which the tax is imposed, adopt a budget plan specifying how the proceeds of the tax shall be expended. Prior to the adoption of such budget plan, the county or municipality shall obtain from the authorized entity with which it proposes to contract to meet the expenditure requirements of this Code section a budget for expenditures to be made by such organization; and such budget shall be made a part of the county or municipal budget plan.

(B)

(i) The determination as to whether a county or municipality has complied with the expenditure requirements of paragraph (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection shall be made for each fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 1987, and, as of the end of each fiscal year, shall be prominently reflected in the audit required under Code Section 36-81-7 and shall disclose:

(I) The amount of funds expended or contractually committed for expenditure as provided in paragraph (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection, whichever is applicable, during the fiscal year;

(II) The amount of tax receipts under this Code section during such fiscal year; and

(III) Expenditures as a percentage of tax receipts.

(ii) A county or municipality contractually expending funds to meet the expenditure requirements of paragraph (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection shall require the contracting party to provide audit verification that the contracting party makes use of such funds in conformity with the requirements of this subsection. If the audit required by Code Section 36-81-7 identifies noncompliance with the applicable expenditure requirements of this Code section, such noncompliance shall be reported in accordance with paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section 36-81-7. The state auditor shall report all instances of noncompliance with this subparagraph noted in the audit report to the Department of Community Affairs upon completion of the report review required by paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of Code Section 36-81-7. The state auditor shall furnish a copy of all documents submitted by the local government or the local government's auditor pertaining to noncompliance with this subparagraph to the Department of Revenue. The Department of Community Affairs shall submit a copy of such documents to the performance review board.

(10) Nothing in this article shall be construed to limit the power of a county or municipality to expend more than the required amounts, or all, of the total taxes collected under this Code section for the purposes described in paragraph (2), (2.1), (2.2), (3), (3.1), (3.2), (3.3), (3.4), (3.5), (3.7), (4), (4.1), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (4.5), (4.6), (4.7), (5), (5.1), (5.2), or (5.3) of this subsection.

(b)

(1) Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section, any new excise taxes which are first levied pursuant to this Code section after July 1, 2008, or any new excise tax which is first levied following the termination of a previous levy pursuant to this Code section after July 1, 2008, shall be levied pursuant to this subsection.

(2) The governing authority of each municipality in this state may levy an excise tax pursuant to this subsection at a rate not to exceed 8 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished or facilitated by an innkeeper.

(3) Within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county, each county in this state may levy an excise tax pursuant to this subsection at a rate not to exceed 8 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished or facilitated by an innkeeper.

(4) The levy of an excise tax pursuant to this subsection shall be conditioned upon the county or municipality adopting a resolution which specifies the subsequent tax rate, identifies the projects or tourism product development purposes, and specifies the allocation of proceeds and, subsequent to such resolution, the enactment of a local Act by the General Assembly.

(5) In accordance with the terms of the resolution adopted by the county or municipality, the local Act of the General Assembly shall provide that:

(A) In each fiscal year during which a tax is collected under paragraph (2) or (3) of this subsection, an amount equal to not less than 50 percent of the total amount of taxes collected that exceed the amount of taxes that would be collected at the rate of 5 percent shall be expended for promoting tourism, conventions, and trade shows by the destination marketing organization designated by the county or municipality levying the tax; and

(B) The remaining amount of taxes collected that exceed the amount of taxes that would be collected at the rate of 5 percent which are not otherwise expended under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph shall be expended for tourism product development.

(6) A county or municipality levying a tax pursuant to this subsection shall expend an amount equal to the amount of total taxes collected under this subsection which would have been collected at a rate of 5 percent in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section.

(7)

(A) Any municipality which is levying an excise tax under paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of this Code section, so long as any obligation as described in division (a)(5)(A)(ii) or subparagraph (a)(5)(B) of this Code section remains outstanding, shall leave such excise tax in effect at the rate of 7 percent and may levy up to an additional 1 percent excise tax under this paragraph so long as the combined rate does not exceed 8 percent.

(B)

(i) Such additional excise tax shall not be deemed to violate the provisions of subsection (d) of this Code section.

(ii) Such additional excise tax shall not count toward or be subject to the 14 percent rate limitations of subsection (c.1) of Code Section 48-8-6 and subsection (d) of Code Section 48-8-201.

(C) Any taxes collected in excess of 7 percent shall be expended by the municipality for the promotion of conventions and tradeshows by a not for profit destination marketing organization located within the municipality and in existence and operation on January 1, 2011, through a contract or contracts with the state, a department of state government, or a state authority. At least 80 percent of such tax amounts shall be segregated by the destination marketing organization and used in securing major conventions at facilities containing at least 1.3 million square feet of floor space used for convention hall purposes and events at facilities containing at least 70,000 seats used for major events under the control of a state authority, and amounts so segregated may be held by the destination marketing organization and expended in fiscal years subsequent to the fiscal year in which the taxes were collected.

(D) Any municipal levy of any additional excise tax under this paragraph must be approved by local Act and shall also comply with the resolution requirements contained in paragraph (4) of this subsection in regard to the additional excise tax levied under this paragraph only. The local Act of the General Assembly shall provide that the first 7 percent in excise tax levied under the authority of paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall continue to be levied under that paragraph and all amounts collected thereunder shall be expended as required therein and that the additional amounts collected under the provisions of this paragraph shall be expended as required in this paragraph.

(b.1) As an alternative to the provisions of subsection (b) of this Code section, any county (within the territorial limits of the special district located within the county) and any municipality which is levying a tax under this Code section at the rate of 6 percent under paragraph (3.4) or (4) of subsection (a) of this Code section shall be authorized to levy a tax under this Code section at the rate of 7 percent in the manner provided in this subsection. Both the county and municipality shall adopt a resolution which shall specify that an amount equal to the total amount of taxes collected under such levy at a rate of 6 percent shall continue to be expended as it was expended pursuant to either paragraph (3.4) or (4) of subsection (a) of this Code section, as applicable, and such resolution shall specify the manner of expenditure of funds for an amount equal to the total amount of taxes collected under such levy that exceeds the amount that would be collected at the rate of 6 percent for any tourism, convention, or trade show purposes, tourism product development purposes, or any combination thereof. Each resolution shall be required to be ratified by a local Act of the General Assembly. Only when both such local Acts have become law, the governing authority of the county and municipality shall be authorized to levy an excise tax pursuant to this subsection at the rate of 7 percent of the charge for the furnishing for value to the public of any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished or facilitated by an innkeeper.

(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed to impair, or authorize or require the impairment of, any existing contract or contractual rights.

(d) At no time shall a county or municipality levy simultaneously more than one tax under this article.

(e)

(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, for any excise tax levied pursuant to subsection (b) of this Code section, a county or municipality imposing a tax under this article shall, prior to the imposition of the tax or changing the rate of the levy of the tax and prior to each fiscal year thereafter in which the tax is imposed, adopt a budget plan specifying how the proceeds of such tax are to be expended. Prior to the adoption of such budget plan, the county or municipality shall obtain from the destination marketing organization or state authority with which it proposes to contract to meet the expenditure requirements of this paragraph a budget plan for expenditures to be made by such organization. Such destination marketing organization or state authority expenditure budget plan shall be made a part of the county or municipal budget plan.

(2) This paragraph shall apply to a county or municipality which is levying the tax under subsection (a) of this Code section on January 1, 2008, and is expending the proceeds of the tax through a contract or contracts with an authorized entity or entities other than a destination marketing organization. In the event such county or municipality ceases such levy in order to levy an excise tax under subsection (b) of this Code section, it may continue to expend the proceeds of the tax through a contract or contracts with the same entity or entities other than a destination marketing organization if, prior to each fiscal year in which the tax is imposed, the county or municipality adopts a budget plan specifying how the proceeds of such tax are to be expended. Prior to the adoption of such budget plan, such county or municipality shall obtain from such entity or entities with which it proposes to contract to meet the expenditure requirements of this paragraph a budget plan for expenditures to be made by such entity or entities. The budget plan of such entity or entities shall be made a part of the county or municipal budget plan.

(f) A county or municipality expending funds of the tax levied under subsection (b) of this Code section pursuant to a contract shall require the destination marketing organization or state authority to provide audit verification that such destination marketing organization or state authority makes use of such funds in conformity with the requirements of this subsection. If the audit required by Code Section 36-81-7 identifies noncompliance with the applicable expenditure requirements of this Code section, such noncompliance shall be reported in accordance with paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Code Section 36-81-7. The state auditor shall report all instances of noncompliance with this subsection noted in the audit report to the Department of Community Affairs upon completion of the report review required by paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of Code Section 36-81-7. The state auditor shall furnish a copy of all documents submitted by the local government or the local government's auditor pertaining to noncompliance with this subsection to the Department of Community Affairs. The Department of Community Affairs shall submit a copy of such documents to the performance review board.

(g)

(1) Any action by a local governing authority to impose or change the rate of the tax authorized under this article shall become effective no sooner than the first day of the second month following its action by the local governing authority.

(2) In the case of a county or municipality which has adopted an ordinance ceasing the levy under the applicable paragraph of subsection (a) of this Code section in order to levy an excise tax under subsection (b) of this Code section, such levy under subsection (b) of this Code section shall become effective no sooner than the first day of the second month following its action by the local governing authority.

(h) The tax authorized by this article shall not apply to:

(1) Charges made for any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations provided to any persons who certify that they are staying in such room, lodging, or accommodation as a result of the destruction of their home or residence by fire or other casualty;

(2) The use of meeting rooms and other such facilities or any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations provided without charge;

(3) Any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations furnished for a period of one or more days for use by Georgia state or local governmental officials or employees when traveling on official business. Notwithstanding the availability of any other means of identifying the person as a state or local government official or employee, whenever a person pays for any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations with a state or local government credit or debit card, such rooms, lodgings, or accommodations shall be deemed to have been furnished for use by a Georgia state or local government official or employee traveling on official business for purposes of the exemption provided by this paragraph. For purpose of the exemption provided under this paragraph, a local government official or employee shall include officials or employees of counties, municipalities, consolidated governments, or county or independent school districts; or

(4) Charges made for continuous use of any rooms, lodgings, or accommodations after the first 30 days of continuous occupancy.

(i) No tax under this article may be levied or collected by a county outside the territorial limits of the special district located within the county.

(j) Any requirement that a tax under this article be expended in the fiscal year in which it is collected shall be satisfied so long as fiscal year expenditures conform with the budget plan required in either paragraph (9) of subsection (a) or subsection (e) of this Code section.

(k)

(1) Any local governing authority levying the tax authorized under this article which has collected more than $500,000.00 in taxes per year in any of the three preceding fiscal years shall not alter or change the designated private sector nonprofit organization engaged to promote tourism, conventions, and trade shows for such local government unless and until the governing authority and the destination marketing organization for such local government agree to such alteration or change or such alteration or change is approved as provided for in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(2) If the governing authority and the destination marketing organization are unable to reach an agreement as to altering or changing the designated private sector nonprofit organization engaged to promote tourism, conventions, and trade shows, such proposed alterations or changes shall then be moved to the Hotel Motel Tax Performance Review Board, as established pursuant to Code Section 48-13-56.1, which shall meet as needed for approval or rejection based on the eligibility of the new proposed private sector nonprofit organization, as defined by Code Section 48-13-50.2.

OCGA § 48-13-51

Amended by 2023 Ga. Laws 24,§ 1, eff. 4/25/2023.

Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 307,§ 48, eff. 5/10/2021.

Amended by 2021 Ga. Laws 21,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2021.

Amended by 2020 Ga. Laws 521,§ 48, eff. 7/29/2020.

Amended by 2018 Ga. Laws 324,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2018.

Amended by 2017 Ga. Laws 275,§ 48, eff. 5/9/2017.

Amended by 2016 Ga. Laws 396,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2016.

Amended by 2013 Ga. Laws 33,§ 48, eff. 4/24/2013.

Amended by 2011 Ga. Laws 168,§ 1, eff. 5/11/2011.

Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 606,§ 3, eff. 6/3/2010.

Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 606,§ 2, eff. 6/3/2010.

Amended by 2010 Ga. Laws 606,§ 1, eff. 6/3/2010.

Amended by 2009 Ga. Laws 8,§ 48, eff. 4/14/2009.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 12, eff. 5/14/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 9, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 8, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 7, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 6, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 5, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 4, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 3, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 764,§ 2, eff. 7/1/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 732,§ 2, eff. 5/14/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 732,§ 1, eff. 5/14/2008.

Amended by 2008 Ga. Laws 436,§ 23, eff. 7/1/2009.

Amended by 2007 Ga. Laws 18,§ 48, eff. 5/11/2007.

Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 693,§ 4, eff. 5/1/2006.

Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 693,§ 3, eff. 5/1/2006.

Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 693,§ 2, eff. 5/1/2006.

Amended by 2006 Ga. Laws 693,§ 1, eff. 5/1/2006.

Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 421,§ 6, eff. 5/10/2005.

Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 421,§ 5, eff. 5/10/2005.

Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 421,§ 4, eff. 5/10/2005.

Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 421,§ 3, eff. 5/10/2005.

Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 421,§ 2, eff. 5/10/2005.

Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 421,§ 1, eff. 5/10/2005.

Amended by 2005 Ga. Laws 101,§ 1, eff. 7/1/2005.

Amended by 2004 Ga. Laws 493, § 1, eff. 7/1/2004.

Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 866, § 4, eff. 5/14/2002.

Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 866, § 3, eff. 5/14/2002.

Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 866, § 2, eff. 5/14/2002.

Amended by 2002 Ga. Laws 866, § 1, eff. 5/14/2002.

Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 367, § 4, eff. 4/28/2001.

Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 367, § 3, eff. 4/28/2001.

Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 367, § 2, eff. 4/28/2001.

Amended by 2001 Ga. Laws 367, § 1, eff. 4/28/2001.