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HB648 INTRODUCED
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HB648
11M2NLL-1
By Representative Clarke
RFD: Ways and Means General Fund
First Read: 31-Mar-26
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11M2NLL-1 03/12/2026 HL (F)HL 2026-1344
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First Read: 31-Mar-26
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would create a grant program for
certain eligible tourism businesses with the goal of
boosting state tourism economies affected by global
trade disruptions and foreign travel slowdowns.
This bill would create international tourism
marketing campaigns.
This bill would create a competitive grant
program to fund tourism-related infrastructure
projects.
This bill would coordinate a domestic
advertising effort.
This bill would also create the Tourism Sector
Economic Monitoring Council.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to the Alabama Tourism Department; to
establish the Tourism Revenue Recovery and Global Promotion
Act; to create a grant program for certain eligible tourism
businesses; to create international marketing campaigns; to
create a competitive grant program to fund tourism-related
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create a competitive grant program to fund tourism-related
infrastructure; to coordinate a domestic advertising effort;
and to create the Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring Council.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as
the Tourism Revenue Recovery and Global Promotion Act.
Section 2. The purpose of this act is to support the
recovery and expansion of the state's tourism industry in
response to global travel and economic disruptions related to
trade policies and international conditions.
Section 3. For the purpose of this act, the following
terms have the following meanings:
(1) DEPARTMENT. The Alabama Tourism Department.
(2) ELIGIBLE TOURISM BUSINESS. A company engaged in
lodging, travel, entertainment, attractions, or hospitality
services.
(3) TOURISM-RELATED DISRUPTION. Any decline in
visitation, revenue, or operations due to global travel
restrictions, retaliatory trade measures, or macroeconomic
trade effects.
Section 4. (a) A grant program for eligible tourism
businesses adversely affected by tourism-related disruptions
is created to be administered by the department.
(b) Grant funds may be used for:
(1) Retaining or rehiring staff;
(2) Updating facilities or safety protocols; or
(3) Marketing or operational continuity.
(c) The department may not award more than one hundred
thousand dollars ($100,000) to any single entity.
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thousand dollars ($100,000) to any single entity.
Section 5. (a) The department shall administer
international tourism marketing campaigns to:
(1) Expand brand presence in emerging or alternative
travel markets;
(2) Restore inbound travel from countries affected by
trade tensions; and
(3) Partner with airlines, travel platforms, and
influencers.
(b) These campaigns shall be data-driven and
coordinated with destination marketing organizations.
Section 6. (a) A competitive grant program to fund
tourism-related infrastructure projects is created to be
administered by the department.
(b) Grant funds may be used for:
(1) Improvements to parks, trails, cultural landmarks,
and public event venues;
(2) Construction or renovation of visitor centers and
welcome facilities;
(3) Signage, wayfinding, and mobility improvements; and
(4) International and domestic trade shows and tour
operators.
Section 7. (a) The department shall coordinate a
domestic advertising effort to promote:
(1) In-state tourism and short-term travel;
(2) Heritage, outdoor recreation, and culinary
experiences;
(3) Events and seasonal travel in regions experiencing
downturns in tourism; and
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downturns in tourism; and
(4) International and domestic trade shows and tour
operators.
(b) These campaigns shall utilize television, digital
media, print, and social channels.
Section 8. (a) The Tourism Sector Economic Monitoring
Council is established.
(b) The council shall consist of five members with one
member each appointed by the Governor, the Speaker of the
House of Representatives, the House Minority Leader, the
President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Senate Minority
Leader.
(c) After the initial appointments, each member shall
serve a term of four years and may be reappointed for one
additional term.
(d) The council members shall not receive compensation
for their services but shall receive per diem and
reimbursement for necessary expenses incurred for conducting
official business and attending required official meetings.
(e) The council shall have the following duties:
(1) Monitor national and international trends.
(2) Analyze risks related to trade and global economic
conditions.
(3) Advise the Governor and Legislature on adaptive
strategies.
(4) Publish an annual tourism impact report. The
department shall post this report publicly on its website.
Section 9. Any program, campaign, or initiative
provided by this act may be funded from any of the following
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provided by this act may be funded from any of the following
revenue sources:
(1) Revenue sources as directed by, and at the
discretion of, the Legislature.
(2) Appropriations as directed by, and at the
discretion of, the Legislature.
(3) Any other lawful source, including, but not limited
to, private funding, gifts, donations, and bequests.
Section 10. If any provision of this act is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions
which can be given effect without the invalid provision.
Section 11. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2026.
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