Bill to widen access to Georgia tourism tax funds receives unanimous approval in both chambers

A recently approved bill introduced by State Sen. Randy Robertson seeks to expand access to tourism tax funds by revising definitions for destination marketing and nonprofit groups, according to the Georgia State Senate.

As of Friday, April 3, the measure cleared both legislative chambers, passing the House with a 169-0 vote and the Senate with a 53-0 tally.

Introduced as SB430 on Wednesday, Jan. 28 during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, the bill is formally titled: ‘Taxes; certain military museums qualify as destination marketing organizations and private sector nonprofit organizations; provide.’

Below is a summary drawn from the bill text, with clarifications added for explanation.

The bill amends Georgia’s excise tax statutes on rooms, lodgings and accommodations to expand the set of organizations recognized as destination marketing organizations and private sector nonprofit groups eligible to access tax-supported tourism funds. Under this legislation, “destination marketing organization” is updated to include certain private entities with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) federal tax status, specifying their role in tourism promotion. It also broadens eligibility for “private sector nonprofit organization” to encompass certain military museums and institutions focused on U.S. military history preservation and interpretation.

In the Senate, 21 Democrats and 32 Republicans voted to approve the bill, with no votes in opposition.

In the House, all 72 Democrats and 97 Republicans also supported the measure without dissent.

Co-sponsors included Rep. Ron Stephens (Republican-164th), Sen. John Albers (Republican-56th), and Sen. Jason Anavitarte (Republican-31st), joined by three additional sponsors.

Robertson, a Republican, began serving in the Georgia State Senate in 2019, representing the 29th Senate District after succeeding Joshua McKoon.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure into law on Monday, May 11.

In Georgia, the legislative process starts when a legislator, sometimes at the suggestion of a constituent, collaborates with the Office of Legislative Counsel to draft a bill. Following its filing with the House Clerk or Senate Secretary, the bill receives an initial reading and moves to committee for review and debate. If approved, it advances for a third reading, further discussion and a vote. For a bill to become law, it must be passed in both chambers, with reconciliation through a conference committee if versions differ, before reaching the governor for final action. The governor has six days during session—or 40 days after adjournment (Sine Die)—to sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature. The General Assembly meets annually for 40 days starting from the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State Senate. The source data can be found here.