May 17, 2026 to May 23, 2026

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.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

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

Federal Government News

White House Revises Refrigerant Regulations, Extends Compliance Deadlines

President Donald J. Trump announced a reversal of Biden-era refrigeration regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency revised the 2023 Technology Transitions Rule, extending deadlines for hydrofluorocarbon transitions, which enables broader access to affordable refrigerants for businesses. The White House also proposed changes to the 2024 Emissions Reduction and Reclamation Rule, easing leak repair requirements for large-scale refrigeration systems, reducing costs for industry participants. The EPA projects $2.4 billion in savings, with $1.5 billion specifically benefiting transporters of refrigerated goods. Additional deregulatory actions include doubling SBA loan limits to $10 million, resetting fuel economy standards, and increasing tariff-rate quotas for lean beef trimmings. Trump also advocated repealing the Obama-era Endangerment Finding and combating price fixing. Collectively, these measures are intended to lower industry costs and protect jobs within hospitality, retail, and food service sectors.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

Legislative Updates

Bill 8895: Prohibiting Dynamic Pricing Using Consumer Data

Bill 8895 seeks to prohibit food retailers and third-party delivery service providers from employing technology that utilizes consumer personal data for dynamic pricing. The measure was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8897: Improving Travel for American Families

Bill 8897, aimed at improving travel experiences for American families, was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Homeland Security. The bill covers provisions relevant to travel services and hospitality operations affecting family travel.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 9008: Fair Labor Standards Amendment on Workplace Breaks

Bill 9008 proposes amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, requiring employers to grant meal, rest, restroom, and medical breaks to employees. The bill is currently before the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 915: Small Business Technological Act of 2025

Bill 915, the Small Business Technological Act of 2025, was ordered to be reported by the House with a 23–0 vote. The legislation addresses technological upgrades for small businesses, potentially affecting hospitality tech adoption.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 6834: STORE Act of 2025

Bill 6834, the STORE Act of 2025, focuses on agriculture and food policy and was referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture. The Act may impact supply chains relevant to food service operators.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8970: Advancing Understanding of Gambling Disorder

Bill 8970 directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct research on gambling disorder. It was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, with implications for casino and gaming sectors.

Sources: www.congress.gov

Bill 8967: Extension of Rural Community Hospital Demonstration Program

Bill 8967 aims to extend the rural community hospital demonstration program, referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. This extension may affect rural hospitality and accommodation industries by supporting local health infrastructure.

Sources: www.congress.gov

State Government News

California Issues Emergency Proclamation for Orange County Chemical Incident

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in Orange County after a hazardous chemical incident at an aerospace facility prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands; state-owned properties and fairgrounds are now available for temporary shelter.

Sources: www.gov.ca.gov

Virginia Announces Board Appointments Affecting Tourism and Hospitality

Governor Abigail Spanberger appointed Peter Eshelman as Economic Development Specialist for the Virginia Tourism Authority and Sarvadaman Shah to the Asian Advisory Board, positions that may shape tourism and hospitality industry engagement statewide.

Sources: www.governor.virginia.gov

Florida Appoints Hospitality and Tourism Professionals to State College Board

Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Megan Harrison, President & CEO of the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce and hospitality sector entrepreneur, to the Northwest Florida State College District Board of Trustees, signifying direct industry representation.

Sources: www.flgov.com

Indiana Enacts Law Protecting Shooting Ranges

Governor Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 176, authored by Sen. Jim Tomes, ensuring counties, cities, or towns cannot establish stricter rules for shooting ranges than those in state law, with impact for recreational facility operators.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

Indiana Bars Subject to Immediate Permit Suspension for Public Nuisance

Senate Enrolled Act 5, signed by Governor Braun, allows the Alcohol & Tobacco Commission to suspend or revoke a bar's permit if it becomes a public nuisance; hearings must occur within three business days of suspension.

Sources: www.indianasenaterepublicans.com

New York State Enhances Enforcement for Memorial Day Weekend Travel

Governor Hochul announced increased patrols throughout New York to deter impaired and reckless driving over Memorial Day weekend, suspending road construction lane closures and deploying sobriety checkpoints statewide to facilitate safe travel.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Lake George Battlefield Park Completes Memorial Project Enhancing Tourism Assets

Governor Hochul announced completion of the $700,000 'Repose of the Fallen' memorial project at Lake George Battlefield Park, supported by a DRI grant, reinforcing the destination’s historic tourism profile ahead of America 250 celebrations.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

North Tonawanda Announces $9.9M Pool Redevelopment for Community Recreation

Governor Hochul celebrated the groundbreaking for Memorial Pool at Payne Park in North Tonawanda. The $9.9 million project, with a $4 million NY SWIMS grant, expands modern aquatic infrastructure and enhances recreational access in Western New York.

Sources: www.governor.ny.gov

Delaware Canal Infrastructure Improvements Expand Outdoor Recreation in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn reported completion of $6 million infrastructure upgrades at Delaware Canal State Park, restoring the Lumberville Aqueduct and High Falls Sub Canal Culvert, reconnecting towpath sections for uninterrupted regional travel corridor use.

Sources: pacast.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Travel: NYT Travel section covers global travel trends influencing consumer bookings.
• New Jersey Says Yes to Airbnbs During the World Cup: New Jersey permits Airbnbs for World Cup tourism, impacting short-term rental markets.
• Keeping Black Brooklyn Alive, One Drink at a Time: Brooklyn’s local bars sustain community businesses amid evolving neighborhood demographics.
• Why Our Travel Writers Turn Down Press Perks and Freebies: NYT Travel Writers reject press perks to ensure editorial independence within destination coverage.
• Final casino resort closure marks end of era for once-booming Nevada town: Casino resort closure signals transformation in Nevada tourism sector.
• 36 Hours in Providence, R.I.: Guide details leisure and hospitality activities for short-term visitors in Providence.

.