New York Assembly Bill A07965

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/16/25
• Refer: 4/16/25
• Report Pass: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/6/25
• Report Pass: 6/12/25

Caption

Extends the town of Goshen's authority to impose a hotel and motel tax of up to five percent for two additional years.

Impact

The proposed extension of the hotel and motel tax in Goshen is expected to have significant implications for local tax revenues. By maintaining this tax, the town aims to enhance its financial resources, which can be crucial for funding local initiatives and improving public facilities. The revenue generated through this tax is typically earmarked for tourism promotion and local infrastructure projects, thus fostering economic development in the region. Communities often rely on such taxes to offset the financial burden on residents while ensuring that visitors contribute to the local economy.

Summary

Bill A07965 aims to extend the authority of the town of Goshen to impose a local hotel and motel tax by an additional two years. Initially passed in 2023, this bill allows the town to levy a tax of up to five percent on the occupancy of hotels and motels within its jurisdiction. The intent behind this extension is to provide local governments with a sustainable revenue stream that they can utilize to fund various community services and support infrastructure improvements, particularly benefiting the tourism and hospitality sector in the area.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding A07965 is the potential impact of the tax on local businesses. While some argue that the additional tax could deter tourism by making lodging more expensive, proponents believe it is a necessary measure for sustaining and improving community resources. Critics of the tax extension may argue that it could disproportionately affect lower-income travelers or those seeking affordable lodging options, leading to a heated debate about the balance between generating local revenue and supporting tourism.