A 9098 New York Assembly · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to the use of revenues from hotel or motel taxes in the county of Essex

This bill changes how Essex County allocates revenue from local hotel and motel taxes. Instead of funding a dedicated tourism promotion fund, the money will now go into the county's general fund for economic development and tourism promotion. The county may retain up to 10% of these revenues for administrative costs, and must spend the rest to promote Essex County tourism through the Lake Placid-Essex County Visitors Bureau (or another provider if needed). The law directly affects Essex County's budget decisions and tourism marketing efforts.

Issues: ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Sep 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Sep 12, 2025 Last action Jun 2, 2026

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What changed between versions

A9098 → A9098A · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill was amended to clarify that hotel tax revenues in Essex County must be used exclusively for tourism and economic development, prohibiting any other uses. The amendment also updated the maximum administrative retention fee from ten percent to five percent and expanded the county's ability to terminate contracts with the visitors bureau if they fail to perform adequately.

Scope change

The scope of allowable uses for the tax revenue was narrowed to ensure funds are strictly for tourism and economic development, and the administrative fee cap was reduced.

FISCAL

The maximum amount the county can retain from tax revenue to cover administrative expenses was reduced from ten percent to five percent.

REQUIREMENT

A new requirement was added stating that tax revenues must be used exclusively for tourism and economic development and cannot be used for any other purpose.

The bill now explicitly requires the county to follow all applicable federal, state, and county procurement laws when soliciting contracts and spending funds.

The conditions under which the county can terminate its contract with the Lake Placid-Essex County Visitors Bureau were expanded to include situations where the bureau dissolves.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 2, 2026

Committee

REPORTED REFERRED TO RULES

lower

May 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

PRINT NUMBER 9098A

lower

May 4, 2026

Lower · Passed

AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO WAYS AND MEANS

lower

Jan 7, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

lower

Sep 12, 2025

Committee

REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

lower

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors