This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news concerning hotels, restaurants, casinos, gaming operations, event and sports venues, cruise lines, theme parks, ski resorts, outdoor spaces, RV and caravan parks, and all hospitality, travel and tourism professionals. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track GR news in adjacent industries related? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Arts & Culture. Also consider subscribing to our Hospitality & Retail - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

Dates: 2026-03-29 to 2026-04-04

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📜 Legislative Updates
• 🗺️ State Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

USDA Reduces Overtime and Holiday Inspection Fees for Small and Very Small Establishments

The Food Safety and Inspection Service announced $20 million in de-obligated funds will temporarily reduce overtime and holiday inspection fees for small and very small official meat, poultry, and egg product establishments in Fiscal Year 2026. Eligible small establishments will receive a 30 percent reduction and very small establishments will see a 75 percent reduction. Establishments must submit FSIS Form 5200-16 to qualify; retroactive refunds are available for fees paid since October 5, 2025, contingent on remaining funds. Fee reductions apply only to entities meeting the employee and revenue thresholds as defined by prior HACCP regulations and Small Business Administration rules. Refunds will be processed in order of submission until funds are expended.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

President Trump Declares Emergency to Restore TSA Payroll and Airport Operations

Following a 45-day Department of Homeland Security shutdown attributed to Congressional budget impasse, President Trump declared a national emergency ensuring TSA workers received overdue paychecks. ICE officers were deployed to major airports to support crowd control, logistics, and security, resulting in improvements such as shorter wait times and stabilized staffing. The administration called for Congressional action to resolve the broader funding crisis affecting additional DHS employees.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

FDA Proposes Customer Service Satisfaction Surveys to Stakeholders

The Food and Drug Administration issued a Federal Register notice seeking comment on plans to conduct up to 20 customer service satisfaction surveys annually. The surveys target regulated entities, including food processors, manufacturers, and health professionals, measuring service dimensions like timeliness, appropriateness, and problem resolution. Participation remains voluntary, with estimated respondents ranging from 100 to 20,000 per survey, averaging 25 minutes for completion. The agency aims to use the survey insights to improve customer interactions.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Revised Non-Foreign Overseas Per Diem Rates Take Effect

The Defense Human Resources Activity published Civilian Personnel Per Diem Bulletin Number 331, updating reimbursement rates for subsistence expenses in non-foreign areas such as Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. possessions, starting April 1, 2026. Lodging rates in Puerto Rico and other select locations increased following the 2026 annual review. Government travelers and contractors can request rate reviews for particular locations. Detailed tables provide revised lodging, meal, and incidental allowances by region and season.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

National Park Service Renews Disease Investigation Data Collection

The National Park Service, under the Office of Public Health, posted notice to renew its collection of outbreak investigation data. This collection supports disease surveillance and public health response for incidents in National Parks, including visitor illness clusters, rare diseases, wildlife encounters, and deaths requiring hospitalization. Annual respondents are projected at 500, with an estimated 250 hours of annual burden. Comments are invited through April 29, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Talent Marketplaces Amendment to Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Bill 8183 proposes to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to establish talent marketplaces. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Critical Industry Funds and Sector Partnerships Amendment

Bill 8181 aims to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to require states to create critical industry funds or establish industry sector partnerships. The legislative action is currently with the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail Feasibility Study Act of 2026

Bill 2768, focused on public lands and natural resources, calls for a feasibility study for the Benton MacKaye National Scenic Trail. The bill is placed on the Union Calendar (No. 502) in the House, indicating movement in the legislative process.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Restrictions on Visa Issuance for Religious Freedom Violations

Bill 8182 seeks to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict visas for individuals associated with violations of religious freedom. The latest action is referral to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

New York Launches Community World Cup Grant Program for 2026

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $371,000 in grants to support 12 community projects across New York. The Community World Cup Grant Program will facilitate public viewing events and related programming for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, promoting regional tourism and local business activity.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Albany Community Outreach Center Opens for I-787 Corridor Project

Governor Hochul opened a dedicated outreach center in Albany to engage stakeholders in the state's plan to reimagine the I-787 corridor, reconnecting downtown Albany to the Hudson River waterfront. The center will facilitate public review and feedback on project concepts.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Governor Hochul Advocates Affordability and Housing Agenda in Broome County

Governor Hochul visited Broome County to promote her affordability-focused budget proposals, including initiatives on housing, auto insurance, child care, and energy costs. Media materials from the event are available on YouTube and Flickr.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Illinois Reports Record Early-Year Job Creation Commitments

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced nearly 4,000 new jobs and $2.5 billion in committed investments for the first quarter of 2026, surpassing total job creation in recent years. Global companies, including DMG MORI and Hyundai Translead, are expanding advanced manufacturing and biopharmaceutical operations.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

Ohio Opens Enhanced Madison County Rest Areas to Boost Traveler Experience

Governor Mike DeWine and state officials celebrated the opening of new I-70 Madison County rest areas featuring expanded truck parking, exhibits on local attractions, accessible facilities, and universal changing stations. The project aims to improve traveler safety and promote local tourism.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• The Retailer That Welcomes Returns: Exploration of how a major retailer leverages a flexible returns policy to drive customer loyalty and operational efficiency.
• Why Concerts Keep Getting More Expensive: Summarizes factors contributing to rising concert ticket prices and their impact on consumer entertainment spending.
• Travel - Page 6: Features travel industry insights and destination highlights relevant to hospitality and tourism operators.
• Iran war impacts cosmetics industry, food prices and nightlife: Examines repercussions of regional conflict on food, cosmetics, and nightlife sectors in key international markets.

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