Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF404

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

A bill for an act creating the Iowa tourism advertising fund, and making appropriations.

Impact

The bill's impact on state laws is notably significant as it creates a specific funding mechanism dedicated to enhancing tourism. By establishing the Iowa Tourism Advertising Fund, the state is recognizing the importance of tourism as an economic driver. This legislative measure allows for competitive grant applications from eligible applicants, such as cities, counties, and nonprofit organizations, which may help local communities gain funding for tourism-related advertising initiatives.

Summary

Senate File 404 establishes the Iowa Tourism Advertising Fund, aimed at promoting tourism in Iowa through advertising efforts both domestically and internationally. The fund will be administered by the economic development authority and will consist of funds allocated from the state-imposed hotel and motel tax. Specifically, 0.25 percent of the hotel and motel tax is to be directed to this fund, which signifies a strategic investment in the tourism sector, aiming to bolster Iowa's visibility as a travel destination.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF404 could include the allocation of state funds and the eligibility criteria for applicants. As the board overseeing the fund has the authority to approve or deny applications, differing opinions may arise regarding the criteria set for grant approvals. Additionally, discussions may emerge regarding the percentage of tax funds designated for this advertising effort and whether it diverts necessary funds from other state needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IA SF640

A bill for an act relating to economic development by establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program, and making appropriations.(Formerly SF 621.)

IA SF621

A bill for an act relating to economic development by establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism and marketing infrastructure program, and making appropriations.(See SF 640.)

IA SF650

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund and technology reinvestment fund, providing for related matters including county payment for district court furnishings, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, and eliminating the sports tourism marketing program and fund, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1238.)

IA SSB1238

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations from the rebuild Iowa infrastructure fund and technology reinvestment fund, providing for related matters including county payment for district court furnishings, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, and eliminating the sports tourism marketing program and fund, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 650.)

IA SF660

A bill for an act relating to sports wagering and tourism, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SSB 1240.) Effective date: 06/11/2025, 07/01/2025.

IA SSB1157

A bill for an act concerning the regulation and support of leisure activities, including by providing for gambling games and sports wagering enforcement, license fees, tax rates, and the use of associated revenue, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism marketing and infrastructure program, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 613, SF 625.)

IA SF613

A bill for an act concerning the regulation and support of leisure activities, including by providing for gambling enforcement, license fees, tax rates, and the use of associated revenue, establishing the Iowa major events and tourism program and fund, modifying the sports tourism marketing and infrastructure program, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1157; See SF 625.)

IA HF2743

A bill for an act creating the Iowa rural health transformation fund and making appropriations.(Formerly HF 2468, HSB 619.)

IA HSB619

A bill for an act creating the Iowa rural health transformation fund and making appropriations.(See HF 2468, HF 2743.)

IA HF2468

A bill for an act creating the Iowa rural health transformation fund and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 619; See HF 2743.)

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