Authorizes an occupancy tax in the town of Amherst
This bill authorizes the town of Amherst in Erie County to implement a local occupancy tax of up to 2.5% on guests staying in hotels, motels, boarding houses, and similar lodging facilities. The tax is calculated based on the per diem rental rate and is collected by the property owner, who then remits the funds to the town's fiscal officer. Revenues generated from this tax will be deposited into the town's general fund, with 75% available for any lawful purposes and 25% specifically designated for capital improvements related to youth sports, health and wellness, community centers, parks, and playgrounds. The legislation excludes certain entities from the tax, including the state, federal government, and non-profit organizations, while also providing exemptions for permanent residents who stay for at least 30 consecutive days. The measure is set to take effect immediately and will remain in force until December 31, 2029.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Apr 8, 2026
Last action May 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
S9850
→
S9850A
·
2 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to add a sunset clause, requiring the occupancy tax to be repealed once its authorized period expires. Additionally, the bill's status was updated to reflect that it has been amended and recommitted to the committee for further review.
Scope change
The bill's scope is now limited by time; it will no longer be in effect after its expiration date, whereas the previous version lacked this automatic repeal provision.
TIMELINE
Added a provision to automatically repeal the occupancy tax provisions upon their expiration.
REQUIREMENT
Updated the bill's procedural status to indicate it has been amended and is being reprinted as amended.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
7
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
2
May 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
PRINT NUMBER 9850A
upper
May 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
AMEND (T) AND RECOMMIT TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
upper
Apr 8, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO INVESTIGATIONS AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Jeremy Zellner
DDemocratic
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