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Bill

HB 138

Authorize the creation of tourism promotion districts

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sean Brennan and 8 co-sponsors

HB 138 permits Ohio municipalities to create special tourism districts with independent taxing authority to fund destination marketing and related economic development.

Referred to committee
#economicdevelopment #tourism
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 138

Legislative bill overview

HB 138 would authorize Ohio municipalities to establish tourism promotion districts—special jurisdictions that can levy taxes or fees to fund local tourism marketing, infrastructure, and development initiatives. The bill creates a framework allowing communities to organize collaborative tourism efforts and dedicate revenue specifically to promoting their regions as tourist destinations.

Why is this important

Tourism districts can significantly impact local economies by attracting visitors, supporting hospitality businesses, and generating tax revenue. However, they also involve creating new taxing authorities and potentially raising costs for businesses and residents in designated areas, making the implementation details crucial to understanding actual economic effects.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax authority concerns: Creates new local taxing power without clear statewide oversight; opponents may worry about unchecked revenue generation or unfair burden on businesses within districts
  • Equity and geographic disparities: Some communities may benefit more than others from tourism promotion; rural or less-developed areas might struggle to establish viable districts or could be left behind
  • Governance structure: The bill's specifics on how districts are created, governed, and dissolved are unclear at this stage; questions remain about accountability and public input in decision-making

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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