Concerning lodging tax revenues.

SB 5251 would change how Washington municipalities use lodging tax revenues. It requires applicants (like tourism groups or cities) to show how funding will increase tourism visits, such as overnight stays or trips over 50 miles from home. Municipalities with over 5,000 residents must use a local advisory committee to review applications, and recipients must report actual visitor numbers annually. The bill also mandates public reporting and biennial updates to the legislature on how these funds boost tourism.