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: 2026-04-19 to 2026-04-25

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

DOT Finalizes Rule Requiring Air Carriers to Post One-Page Passenger Rights Summary

The Department of Transportation issued a final rule implementing Section 429 of the FAA Reauthorization Act, mandating covered air carriers to submit a concise, one-page passenger rights summary addressing compensation for delays, diversions, cancellations, mishandled baggage, voluntary/involuntary seat relinquishment, and denied boarding. The summary must be posted in a prominent location on carrier websites within 90 days after submission. The rule, effective May 26, is pending completion of the Paperwork Reduction Act process; carriers will submit and post the summary once OMB approval and instructions are issued. Carriers with existing customer service plans will adapt information for this requirement. DOT anticipated minimal economic impact due to similarity with current policy obligations. Air carriers, including both domestic and foreign operators as defined in 49 U.S.C. 40102, are subject to this new requirement.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

CPSC Requests Comment on Extension of Adult Portable Bed Rail Safety Information Collection

The Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a notice soliciting comment on a proposed information collection renewal related to the Safety Standard for Adult Portable Bed Rails (16 CFR part 1270, based on ASTM F3186-17). Manufacturers and importers must comply with labeling, warning, and instructional literature requirements. CPSC estimates the annual burden for these requirements to be 2,304 hours, with a total cost to industry of $96,837 annually. The extension is pending OMB approval; comments are due by June 23. The Commission seeks feedback on necessity, accuracy, and methods to reduce collection burden via technology.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Treasury Requests Comment on Multiple Alcohol and Tobacco Recordkeeping Requirements

The Department of Treasury announced multiple information collection requests for Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) activities, including formula approvals for articles made with specially denatured spirits, inventories, export warehouse reporting, spirits plant warehousing, labeling of sulfites, and drawback claims for nonbeverage products. Recordkeeping and reporting obligations impact manufacturers, importers, and warehousing operations, notably requiring monthly operations reports and inventories supporting excise tax compliance, as well as documentation for promotional activities involving retailers. Key forms include TTB F 5150.19, 5220.4, 5220.3, 5110.11, 5110.38, and 5154.2. Comments should be submitted by May 20 via reginfo.gov.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Labor Department Submits Contingent Work Supplement Collection Request to OMB

The Department of Labor submitted its Contingent Work Supplement request for OMB review, expanding the Current Population Survey to capture contingent, temporary, and digital platform workers, including those in hospitality and retail who connect with clients online. Public comment is invited by May 26, addressing utility, accuracy, and technological options for minimizing respondent burden. The survey targets 48,000 respondents with an annual time burden of 2,400 hours; no additional costs. The notice follows prior publication in February and aims to refine workforce research for alternative and platform-based labor arrangements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026

Bill 8430, titled 'Federal and State Food Safety Information Sharing Act of 2026,' was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The legislation seeks to facilitate food safety information sharing between federal and state agencies, a development relevant for hospitality and food service operations that must comply with multilayered regulatory requirements.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Third-Party Certification and Inspection Modernization Act of 2026

Bill 8431, known as the 'Third-Party Certification and Inspection Modernization Act of 2026,' was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill intends to update third-party certification and inspection protocols impacting restaurants, hotels, and food producers subject to federal inspection standards.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026

Bill 8385, titled 'Food Labeling Modernization Act of 2026,' was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Modernization efforts are poised to revise labeling requirements for food products, with potential implications for hospitality and retail businesses serving packaged foods.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Baby Food Safety Act of 2026

Bill 8429, the 'Baby Food Safety Act of 2026,' was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. The bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight in the production and distribution of baby food, a consideration for hospitality and retail segments dealing with family-oriented offerings.

Sources: www.congress.gov

To Provide the FDA Needed Authorities for Human Foods and Research

Bill 8432 was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, seeking to grant expanded authority to the Food and Drug Administration for human foods regulation and research. The scope covers additional regulatory powers and resources, which may affect compliance, labeling, and safety standards in industry operations.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Awards $800 Million in Expanded Film and Television Tax Credits

Governor Newsom announced 38 new film projects have received tax credits via the California Film Commission's expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program, generating nearly $800 million in statewide economic activity and supporting over 5,300 cast and crew jobs.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Ohio Opens New Recreational Cabins and Visitor Center in Appalachian Region

Governor DeWine and ODNR Director Mertz unveiled a new visitor center and campground cabins at Jesse Owens State Park and the Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area, expanding local tourism and lodging capacity.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

Texas Announces $60 Million in Federal Funding for Rural Wellness Initiatives

Governor Abbott and the Health and Human Services Commission are distributing $60 million in federal funds to rural hospital districts for nutrition, wellness, and prevention programs, supporting the state’s Rural Texas Strong initiative.

Sources: gov.texas.gov

Ohio Allocates $7.3 Million to Demolish Unsafe Structures in 32 Counties

Governor DeWine announced grant funding under the Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program, targeting blighted commercial and residential buildings to foster economic development and housing improvement.

Sources: governor.ohio.gov

Illinois Establishes State Attainment Working Group for Workforce Development

Governor Pritzker appointed members to the Illinois State Attainment Working Group, tasked with preparing statewide goals for workforce and postsecondary education credentials to meet projected labor market demand.

Sources: gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Why your dream summer vacation might be slipping out of reach: Seasonal price increases and demand trends are affecting summer travel affordability.
• Tourists could get slapped with fees as pricey getaway looks to cash in even more: Some destinations are imposing additional fees on tourists to raise local revenue.
• In Wine Country, Sales Are Down and Fraud Is Rampant: Wine producers are facing a decline in sales while fraudulent activity grows in the market.
• Where to Eat, Sleep and Shop in Ojai, California: Guide to Ojai’s hospitality offerings, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping venues.
• Alcohol distributor could lay off hundreds in Deerfield Beach: Republic National Distributing Company may cut jobs in Deerfield Beach amid market pressures.
• The fee you didn’t know you were paying to leave a country: Departure taxes and hidden exit fees are imposed in many popular travel destinations.

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