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: 2026-05-03 to 2026-05-09

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

FTC Proposed Consent Agreement: 365 Retail Markets and Cantaloupe

The Federal Trade Commission proposed a consent agreement in response to 365 Retail Markets’ planned $848 million acquisition of Cantaloupe, Inc., addressing concerns in the micromarket kiosk industry. The FTC alleges that the merger would violate antitrust laws by consolidating major market competitors, raising prices, and enabling exclusionary practices. To mitigate these issues, the agreement requires 365 Retail Markets to divest Cantaloupe’s Three Square Market business to Seaga Manufacturing, Inc., ensuring continued competition in kiosk hardware and software. The order includes requirements for hardware and software interoperability, behavioral restrictions on degrading integrations, and contractual protections regarding future acquisitions. Edward Buthusiem is assigned as compliance monitor. Commissioner Mark R. Meador stated that the package of remedies is designed to preserve competitive access in micromarket technology and prevent exclusionary conduct. Public comments are open until June 8, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Department of Education Reporting: Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program

The U.S. Department of Education announced revisions to its information collection requirements for the Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility Program, with a public comment period open until June 8, 2026. The program provides blind individuals priority in vending operations on federal property, with licensing supported by federal and state funds. Reporting under 20 U.S.C. 107a(6)(a) and 107b(4) is required for State Licensing Agencies (SLAs) and covers periodic evaluations, distribution and profitability data, and compliance with regulations such as 34 CFR 395.8 and 395.12. The updated collection procedures will apply to FY2026, with 51 SLAs submitting data through the RSAMIS portal between October 1 and December 30, 2026.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

FTC Franchise Rule Information Collection: Proposed Extension

The Federal Trade Commission announced a proposed extension for information collection under its Franchise Rule (16 CFR part 436), which ensures prospective franchise purchasers receive Franchise Disclosure Documents. The extension, pending public comment through July 6, 2026, would continue requirements for franchisors to provide material information, retain records for three years, and maintain alternative versions for registration and non-registration states. The annual burden is estimated at 22,480 hours, $8.4 million in labor costs, and $4.8 million in non-labor costs. The proposed extension is intended to minimize incremental compliance burdens by aligning with state disclosure laws.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Visa Waiver Signatory Carrier Program Revision

U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a notice regarding proposed revisions to Form I-775 for the Visa Waiver Signatory Carrier Program, with comments due by June 5, 2026. The revision proposes making permanent the electronic document submission and approval process initially adopted during COVID-19 restrictions. Carriers seeking participation in the Visa Waiver Program use this form to agree to program terms, including liability and passenger data sharing. The total annual burden is estimated at 110 hours from 220 respondents.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USDA Removal of Standard of Identity for Canned 'Tripe with Milk'

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the USDA issued a final rule removing the standard of identity for canned 'Tripe with Milk' under 9 CFR 319.308, effective June 3, 2026. The rule eliminates prior requirements for tripe and milk content, providing manufacturers greater flexibility as long as products adhere to truthful labeling per 9 CFR 317.8. FSIS determined the standard was unnecessary after receiving public comments and designated the rule as non-significant under various executive orders. The rule does not impose new requirements or costs, nor does it impact small entities, tribal governments, or environmental policy.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Legislative Updates

Tax Credit for New Jersey Promotion

Bill 8655 proposes amending the Internal Revenue Code to establish a tax credit for businesses selling products that promote New Jersey. The bill also directs port authorities to prioritize retail space for such businesses. The latest action is referral to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Fair Pay Act of 2026

Bill 8663, the Fair Pay Act of 2026, aims to address pay equity by adjusting compensation practices. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for further review.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Requests FEMA Disaster Assistance Extension for LA Fire Survivors

Governor Gavin Newsom formally requested a 12-month extension for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program to continue disaster housing and financial aid for LA wildfire survivors, affecting nearly 29,500 households still navigating recovery.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

New York Announces 27 Downtown Revitalization Projects in Capital Region

Governor Kathy Hochul awarded funding for 27 projects in Catskill, Athens, and Greenwich, focusing on mixed-use developments, arts venues, streetscape enhancements, and workforce housing, as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Indiana Signs Bill Protecting Shooting Ranges

Governor Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 176, prohibiting Indiana counties and cities from enacting stricter local ordinances than state law on shooting ranges, preserving recreational and safety training spaces.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Indiana Expands Restrictions for Child Predators

Senate Enrolled Act 119, signed by Governor Braun, extends restrictions on facility access for convicted child predators and strengthens legal consequences for repeated child grooming, with broad legislative support.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Virginia Awards $2.2 Million for Local Tourism Marketing

Governor Abigail Spanberger announced more than $2.2 million in grants to bolster tourism, supporting 143 local programs and leveraging $4.3 million in matching funds for new marketing and event initiatives across Virginia.

Sources: www.governor.virginia.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• Hotels in U.S. World Cup host cities claim underwhelming demand, new report says - The Athletic: A new report finds hotel demand in FIFA World Cup host cities below expectations.
• The myth of the 2026 World Cup hotel and tourism ‘boom’ - The Athletic: Industry insiders question assumptions about a hotel and tourism surge around the 2026 World Cup.
• Hantavirus cruise ship part of Antarctic tourism boom that some want better regulated: Reuters reports a cruise ship hantavirus case amid calls for stricter Antarctic tourism regulation.
• In Cartagena, a Place for Monks and Movie Lovers Is Now a Hotel: A historic social club in Cartagena is converted into a Four Seasons hotel.
• The best credit cards for international travel, chosen by an expert traveler: CNN lists top credit cards favored by frequent international travelers.

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