House Standing Committee on Tourism

Thank you. Convening this morning's agenda today is Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 10AM here in Conference Room 423 on the committee on tour House Committee on Tourism for the purposes of hearing set one senate bill. I think we're fine reading the rules.

But first up, we have Senate Bill 2698 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation. Requires the Department of Transportation to assess a per passenger head fee against cruise ships, docking, and the state's commercial harbors in addition to existing port user fees, establishes the cruise ship special fund.

Repeals existing law imposing via transient accommodations packs on cruise ships. Effective retroactive to January 1m 2026. Appropriates fund effective July 1, 3000. First up to testify, we have Department of Transportation on Zoom. Next up, we have Department of Taxation in person. Thank you.

Next up, we have Norwegian Cruise Lines Holding in support.

Hi. I'm Sandy Weir from Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and I strongly support this bill and stand on my testimony. Thank you.

Thank you. That is all that we have signed up to testify both on Zoom and in person. Chair wants to note that we received, a number of support testimony, and a number of testimony with comments and no opposition testimony.

Is there anyone else in odd hits physically here wishing to testify on the measure before us? Anyone else on Zoom?

Seeing none. Members, do you have any questions for the testifiers in the audience around Zoom? Seeing, yeah. Chair doesn't have any questions. So, okay, we will recess now.

Reconvening this morning's hearing, for the House Committee on Tourism, March 24, 2026, 10AM agenda, hearing Conference Room 423. First up, we have Senate Bill 2698 SD2 HD1 relating to transportation.

Chair's recommendation is that we pass this unamended, and we're going yeah. I'm just gonna pass it unamended. Members, any questions, comments, or concerns?

Seeing none, Vice Chair for the vote.

Voting on SB 2698 SD2 HS1. The recommendation is to pass as is. [Roll Call] Chair, your recommendation is adopted.

Thank you. This hearing is now adjourned.