City of Hattiesburg; extend repealer on tourism commission and hotel/motel tax.

This bill extends the expiration date for the Hattiesburg Tourism Commission and its associated hotel/motel tax from July 1, 2027, to July 1, 2031. The legislation affects the City of Hattiesburg by maintaining a seven-member commission that will be appointed by the mayor and ratified by the city council, including representatives from the hotel industry, chamber of commerce, university, and at-large members. The commission will have authority to promote tourism and can levy a tax of up to 2% on gross overnight room rentals at hotels and motels with more than ten rooms. Collected tax funds will be used to support tourism promotion efforts, with 3% retained by the state for collection costs and the remainder dedicated to the city's tourism commission.