Sec. 3. (a) The fiscal body of the county may levy a tax on every person engaged in the business of renting or furnishing, for periods of less than thirty (30) days, any room or rooms, lodgings, or accommodations in any:

(1) hotel;

(2) motel;

(3) boat motel;

(4) inn;

(5) college or university memorial union;

(6) college or university residence hall or dormitory; or

(7) tourist cabin;

located in the county.

     (b) The tax does not apply to gross income received in a transaction in which:

(1) a student rents lodgings in a college or university residence hall while that student participates in a course of study for which the student receives college credit from a college or university located in the county; or

(2) a person rents a room, lodging, or accommodations for a period of thirty (30) days or more.

     (c) Subject to subsection (d), the tax may not exceed the rate of eight percent (8%) on the gross retail income derived from lodging income only and is in addition to the state gross retail tax imposed under IC 6-2.5. However, if the county fiscal body increases the tax rate to more than six percent (6%), the portion of the tax rate that exceeds six percent (6%) shall expire on December 31, 2045.

     (d) Notwithstanding subsection (c), the tax rate imposed by the fiscal body of Knox County under this chapter may not exceed five percent (5%), or, if the county fiscal body increases the tax rate to more than six percent (6%) under subsection (c), may not exceed seven percent (7%), if either of the following apply:

(1) The Grouseland Foundation, Inc., is dissolved.

(2) Tours of the territorial mansion and presidential site of William Henry Harrison are no longer provided.

     (e) The tax shall be imposed, paid, and collected in the same manner as the state gross retail tax is imposed, paid, and collected under IC 6-2.5.

As added by P.L.290-2019, SEC.16. Amended by P.L.121-2024, SEC.3; P.L.137-2024, SEC.17.