New YorkA 115522025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Increases the distribution of revenue from extending the authorization for the hotel and motel taxes in Suffolk county

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

More funding to market tourism

The county pays $4.5 million a year to a nonprofit tourism promotion agency chosen by RFP. It pays $150,000 a year to a nonprofit that supports the local hospitality sector. It sets $250,000 a year to promote Suffolk as a film‑friendly location, with annual reporting by the county economic development department. It sets $500,000 a year for regional marketing: $250,000 to an eligible regional airport and $250,000 to an East End tourism agency. These amounts rise at least 1% each year.

More money for county parks

The county uses $2.5 million a year to care for and interpret historic structures, sites, and natural areas in county parks that are open to tourists on a predictable schedule. It also deposits $3.25 million a year in the county general fund for park purposes. These amounts rise at least 1% each year.

Stable support for culture and museums

The county sets $2.85 million a year for cultural programs: $1.6 million for Babylon, Brookhaven, Huntington, Islip, and Smithtown; $1.0 million for Riverhead, Southold, Shelter Island, Southampton, and East Hampton; and $250,000 for county cultural grants. It pays $1.5 million a year to a museum that is AAM‑accredited, in the county’s first dedicated park, and on the National Register. It pays $1.0 million a year for other museums, historical societies, historic homes, and birthplaces. It pays $250,000 a year to a nonprofit running a National Register site with added national and state designations. It pays $250,000 a year to the nonprofit that owns and manages New York’s first lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark and state historic site. These lines rise at least 1% each year, and the Legislature may approve up to 5% yearly increases for the museum and lighthouse lines.

Hotel tax split by county formula

All Suffolk hotel and motel tax money goes into the county treasury. Each year the county must pay set amounts to tourism, hospitality, culture, parks, film, and regional marketing groups. These payments rise at least 1% each year. If revenue is short, the county may use the Infrastructure Fund; if that is not enough, payments are cut by the same percent across recipients. The law is in effect now.

New fund for tourism projects

All hotel and motel tax money left after fixed payments goes into the Suffolk County Infrastructure Fund. The fund keeps any interest or investment gains. The county uses it to plan, design, and build tourism projects, like a convention center, utilities, wastewater, parking, traffic and multi‑modal fixes, and community impact work. From January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2029, the fund may also pay for listed capital work at county parks, marinas, golf courses, campgrounds; nonprofit museums and venues; Smith Point and Ponquogue bridges; Shinnecock canal; and wastewater and coastal resiliency. The county maintains at least a $5 million balance before certain spending. Construction paid from these revenues must follow New York Labor Law Article 8 (prevailing wages).

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Stern
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Doug Smith
Republican • House
Jerett Gandolfo
Republican • House
Jodi Giglio
Republican • House
Joe DeStefano
Republican • House
Keith Brown
Republican • House
Kwani O'Pharrow
Democratic • House
Michael Durso
Republican • House
Michael J. Fitzpatrick
Republican • House
Philip Ramos
Democratic • House
Rebecca Kassay
Democratic • House
Tommy Schiavoni
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 58 • No: 2

House vote • 6/4/2026

FLOOR Vote