By John Howell
Representative Lataisha Jackson’s bill to reinstate a tourism tax in Como awaits the signature of Governor Phil Bryant that is expected to come this week.

House Bill 1586 easily gained House approval (96-17) on March 10 and Senate approval (52-0) on March 19. The bill will allow a referendum in Como to determine whether a three percent tax on prepared food and lodging will again be adopted.

Como’s tourism tax was ended in June, 2013 after the original 2010 legislation that authorized the tax expired. District 11 Representative Joe Gardner died early during the 2013 session of the Mississippi legislature. By the time voters had selected Jackson as his replacement, the deadline for introducing new legislation had passed.

This year’s bill, pending approval by Como voters, will authorize the tourism tax to be collected “for the purpose of providing funds to promote tourism and parks and recreation in the Town of Como and the immediate surrounding area,” the bill states, until July 1, 2017.

Joining principal author District 11 Rep. Jackson are additional authors Manly Barton (R-George, Jackson), Chuck Espy (D-Coahoma, Quitman), Karl Gibbs (D-Clay, Lowndes, Monroe), John W. Hines Sr. (D-Washington) and Bill Kincade (R-DeSoto, Marshall).