Legislative Recap
Regulation and Taxation of Short-Term Rentals
This legislation creates a regulatory framework for short-term rentals and requires the collection of sales and occupancy taxes on those units. The bill represents a multi-year effort by NYSHTA, its industry partners and the NYS Association of Counties. The bill passed both houses of the legislature, and we expect changes to be negotiated upon delivery to the Governor for signature.
Junk Fee Legislation
The Senate and Assembly both introduced a bill that seeks to clarify conspicuous pricing practices regarding mandatory “junk fees." This has also been a hot-button issue at the national level. This bill would mandate all fees be disclosed prior to purchase (booking the room). NYSHTA worked with the sponsors of the bill to include changes that aligned the bill to what has been adopted in other states. While this improved version passed the Senate, the bill failed to advance in the Assembly.
Hotel Fee Disclosure Legislation
This legislation would require that all advertisements or solicitations that communicate a rate or rates for an accommodation be inclusive of all taxes and automatic fees. This bill failed to advance in the Assembly and was not introduced in the Senate.
Data Privacy Legislation
This bill would require companies to obtain consent from consumers before processing their personal data and establish transparency and accountability standards for businesses that collect and process a significant amount of personal data. Language contained in the bill would significantly impact the loyalty programs offered to customers of brand hotels. While the bill passed the Senate, it failed to advance in the Assembly this year. NYSHTA’s hotel partners have been actively engaged on this issue, working with both houses to secure language that protects loyalty programs.
This legislation creates a regulatory framework for short-term rentals and requires the collection of sales and occupancy taxes on those units. The bill represents a multi-year effort by NYSHTA, its industry partners and the NYS Association of Counties. The bill passed both houses of the legislature, and we expect changes to be negotiated upon delivery to the Governor for signature.
Junk Fee Legislation
The Senate and Assembly both introduced a bill that seeks to clarify conspicuous pricing practices regarding mandatory “junk fees." This has also been a hot-button issue at the national level. This bill would mandate all fees be disclosed prior to purchase (booking the room). NYSHTA worked with the sponsors of the bill to include changes that aligned the bill to what has been adopted in other states. While this improved version passed the Senate, the bill failed to advance in the Assembly.
Hotel Fee Disclosure Legislation
This legislation would require that all advertisements or solicitations that communicate a rate or rates for an accommodation be inclusive of all taxes and automatic fees. This bill failed to advance in the Assembly and was not introduced in the Senate.
Data Privacy Legislation
This bill would require companies to obtain consent from consumers before processing their personal data and establish transparency and accountability standards for businesses that collect and process a significant amount of personal data. Language contained in the bill would significantly impact the loyalty programs offered to customers of brand hotels. While the bill passed the Senate, it failed to advance in the Assembly this year. NYSHTA’s hotel partners have been actively engaged on this issue, working with both houses to secure language that protects loyalty programs.
State Budget Recap
Matching Grants
Due to the advocacy of NYSHTA and our industry partners, we were successful in ensuring the $1 million restoration of funds to the Matching Grants Program (for a total of $3.45 million).
Sunset COVID Sick Leave Law
This proposal was included in the enacted budget and means COVID Sick Leave policies and benefits remain in effect until July 2025.
Paid Prenatal Leave
This requires every employer to provide 20 hours of prenatal leave benefits per employee on an annual basis. The NYS Department of Labor will promulgate regulations on this in the short-term.
Paid Short-Term Disability Leave
The Governor’s proposal to increase short-term disability leave benefits was not included in the enacted budget (it is staying the same).
Due to the advocacy of NYSHTA and our industry partners, we were successful in ensuring the $1 million restoration of funds to the Matching Grants Program (for a total of $3.45 million).
Sunset COVID Sick Leave Law
This proposal was included in the enacted budget and means COVID Sick Leave policies and benefits remain in effect until July 2025.
Paid Prenatal Leave
This requires every employer to provide 20 hours of prenatal leave benefits per employee on an annual basis. The NYS Department of Labor will promulgate regulations on this in the short-term.
Paid Short-Term Disability Leave
The Governor’s proposal to increase short-term disability leave benefits was not included in the enacted budget (it is staying the same).
