HB 4047 makes the state lodging tax rate permanent at 1.8%. The bill passed the House, with a 37 to 18 vote on Friday, Feb. 21. It is waiting to be scheduled for its first reading on the Senate floor, which can only occur if there is quorum. With the Republican walkout, the Senate did not have quorum to open the floor. In order to have quorum and conduct business on the Senate floor, two Republicans must be present to have a 2/3 majority. While the bill cannot be read on the floor and moved to committee, it can have an informational public hearing in the Senate Finance and Revenue Committee. The informational hearing on HB 4047 is scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 8:30 a.m. in Senate Finance and Revenue. If session does not resume, HB 4047 will be dead upon adjournment on March 9.