Continued federal gridlock has once again shifted major policy decisions down to state governments. With the increased focus on state-level policy making, the 2024 presidential election will significantly influence the direction of governance across the nation. In addition to the presidential election, 11 governors, 85 state legislatures, and mayors in 24 major cities will face elections this fall.
2024 Multi State Legislative Update
36 states remain in session, and the IAAPA Public Affairs team is monitoring more than 1,000 bills that could potentially impact your business. Approximately 75 percent of these bills focus on labor issues, including proposed minimum wage increases. Many of them appear to be election-driven "messaging" bills, rather than actual policy objectives. Nevertheless, we will continue to monitor potential increases.
One emerging trend worth highlighting is the implementation of new workplace violence prevention programs. California's SB 533 - signed into law last year and in effect July 1, 2024 - establishes the nation’s first set of general workplace violence prevention requirements. Similar measures have also been introduced in New York and Minnesota.
The rapid expansion of AI use has influenced the swift enactment of new state laws written to limit misuse. Fortunately, a significant portion of the over 500 AI-related bills propose to set clear boundaries without impeding innovation, allowing policymakers time to better understand the technology.
Data privacy laws continue to expand, with New Jersey and New Hampshire being the latest to pass new requirements on personal data collection and disclosure. In total, 15 states have enacted data privacy laws in recent years, with more expected as federal action on this matter stalls.
2024 Multi State Regulatory Update
In the regulatory space, IAAPA Public Affairs remains engaged in efforts in Florida, Oregon, and Colorado:
- Efforts to implement rules involving last year’s amusement ride legislation continue at the Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Proposed rule-making can be found at this link. The department held a public comment meeting last Thursday. Feedback from that event motivated the Department to hold off on final proposed changes. The effective date will likely be early this summer, so stay tuned for further updates.
- Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services – Building Codes Division is hosting a rule-making hearing on March 20 involving potential changes to the state’s ride operator age requirements. IAAPA Public Affairs was instrumental in securing this hearing and plan to be in attendance to advocate on behalf of Oregon based operators.
- Colorado began an amusement ride regulatory review earlier this year, marking the first review since 2019. Stakeholder meetings to collect feedback on proposed changes remain ongoing. IAAPA Public Affairs remain actively involved in these discussions and offering recommended revisions to division staff based on member feedback. The last stakeholder meeting is scheduled April 10, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. MT, with a public hearing expected in May.
Multi State Projects
With last year’s success in Alabama, 48 states now have ride safety laws in place. It's our goal to get ride safety laws in all 50 states. Accordingly, this year we are laying the foundation in the remaining states of Montana and Wyoming. Stay tuned for updates on this initiative later this year.
We urge you to remain engaged on behalf of your business, and the attractions industry as a whole.
Thank you,
Zach Stokes
Public Affairs Manager
IAAPA North America