AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT'S SPENDING ON ARTS AND HUMANITIES ACTIVITIES.

SB 1551 creates a new "culture and tourism account" within Connecticut's state budget, requiring that at least 10% of revenue from the sales tax on meals and beverages (subparagraph I of section 12-408) be deposited into it. This account will fund grants for arts organizations, promote tourism, and preserve historic sites and cultural resources. The bill directly affects arts groups, tourism businesses, and historic preservation entities by providing dedicated state funding. The tax change, which applies to sales occurring on or after July 1, 2025, redirects existing sales tax revenue to support these specific cultural and tourism initiatives.