SB 2779 – Prevents misuse of HOT taxes

SB 2779 strengthens taxpayer protections by ensuring that hotel occupancy tax revenues are used as originally intended—to clean and maintain public beaches—without political favoritism. The bill requires coastal cities to pass hotel tax dollars directly to park boards responsible for beach upkeep as intended, removing unnecessary bureaucratic layers that can delay or misuse funds. It prevents local governments from tying tax dollars to discriminatory or politically motivated conditions, promoting fairness and neutrality. By requiring clear reporting and proof of compliance, the bill increases transparency and discourages wasteful or misdirected spending. The bill helps to uphold limited government principles by focusing municipal spending on core services rather than social engineering programs.