KentuckyHB 5522025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT relating to economic development.

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Kentucky creates commission for Ireland trade

The law creates an 11-member Kentucky-Ireland Trade Commission to promote trade, investment, and business and academic exchanges. Initial appointments are due July 1, 2025; initial legislative members serve until January 1, 2027. Later legislative appointments occur each January in odd-numbered years. Nonlegislative members receive $100 per regularly scheduled meeting attended, plus reimbursement for necessary commission expenses. Reports to the Governor and Legislative Research Commission are due within one year of organization, then annually by December 1.

Local tourism boards get appointment rules

The law changes who can fill certain local tourism commission seats when a listed association or chamber does not exist. This applies when the commission starts or the relevant member's term ends. Appointees must live in the county or city served by the commission. They must represent the area's hotels or motels, restaurants, or businesses, depending on the seat.

State marina operators gain renewal option

The Finance and Administration Cabinet may renew or extend state marina license agreements without following the usual state purchasing rules. Operators must have met all agreement duties and be in good standing with the Department of Parks. The Cabinet must find in writing that renewal or extension serves Kentucky's best interest. The law sets no renewal term.

Regions gain more tourism spending options

Multicounty tourism commissions gain more ways to use money from the additional lodging tax. They may buy, build, maintain, improve, promote, or operate property and facilities within their area. Projects must support tourism, visits, recreation, or economic development. The money cannot fund construction, renovation, maintenance, or additions to convention centers outside Kentucky.

Local governments can add uncapped lodging taxes

Local governments that form a multicounty tourism commission may add a tax on short-term lodging. Each participating local government must approve the tax. The law sets no maximum rate and does not require local governments to impose it. Any added lodging cost depends on the rate approved locally. Stays of 30 continuous days or more are exempt.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Kim King
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Adam Moore
Democrat • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 249 • No: 14

House vote • 3/27/2025

passed

Yes: 85 • No: 10

Senate vote • 3/27/2025

passed

Yes: 33 • No: 4

Senate vote • 3/14/2025

3rd reading, passed

Yes: 35 • No: 0

House vote • 2/26/2025