IAAPA Public Affairs Update – Multistate Report – May 5, 2025
As spring is in full swing, many state legislatures are already entering the final stretch of their 2025 sessions. With only 34 of the original 50 states still active, the IAAPA Public Affairs team continues monitoring over 1,600 bills potentially impacting the attractions industry through the end of each session.
49 Down, 1 To Go - Montana Ride Safety Victory
IAAPA Public Affairs has successfully guided Montana's fixed-site amusement ride safety bill into law—bringing us to the threshold of our goal to have proven safety regulations in all 50 states. This strategy ensures oversight remains at the state level, not through broad federal mandates.
The legislation adopts proven consensus-driven safety standards that work nationwide. We achieved this milestone through partnership with our legislative champion Sen. Wendy McKamey, support from both legislative chambers, and Governor Gianforte's recognition of the importance of balanced safety regulation.
With 49 states now covered, we've expanded a regulatory framework that respects each state's unique attractions environment while maintaining the rigorous safety standards our guests expect. Our team is now exploring if Wyoming is open to adding these provisions into state law, which would complete our nationwide safety initiative.
State Budget Outlooks
Federal policy decisions are significantly influencing state budgets as many legislatures enter their final session phase. Several states have adjusted FY2026 revenue projections downward following federal funding changes, including the cancellation of approximately $15 billion in unspent Covid-19 relief grants. As lawmakers confront these tightening fiscal realities, budget negotiations will intensify, potentially affecting tourism development funds and business incentives vital to our industry. This requires vigilant monitoring of proposals that could impact our industry.
Legislative Trends Facing Attractions
Economic policy continues dominating state legislative agendas in 2025 as predicted. While states address cost-of-living concerns through tax relief and business incentives, they're simultaneously advancing policies potentially impacting attraction operations.
Workforce challenges remain our industry's most pressing concern, consistently ranking first in IAAPA's Quarterly Outlook Survey. State legislatures are responding with innovative approaches including expanded career education and modernized apprenticeship programs. We're also tracking shifts in some states toward alternate workforce development funding streams outside of normal budgets, creating potential new resources for operators. While these initiatives alone won't solve all challenges, they provide valuable tools as we build a more resilient workforce pipeline for the future.
Technology legislation continues to accelerate rapidly, affecting both guest experience and compliance requirements. We're monitoring 21 online ticketing reform bills mainly targeting reseller markets and bots, while 45 states have also introduced over 550 AI-related measures this session. Following Colorado's landmark AI consumer protection law, similar frameworks are advancing in multiple states, alongside expanded privacy regulations that have already been enacted in twenty states. These requirements could significantly impact how attractions manage guest data and deploy new technologies across their facilities.
Finally, public safety mandates for entertainment venues continue evolving, with 23 active bills requiring specific on-site medical supplies, from opioid antagonists to severe allergy treatments. Many of these bills will not become law this year but the increased activity means we must stay vigilant. As requirements vary across jurisdictions, our team is analyzing compliance implications for multi-state operators and advocating for consistent, evidence-based standards that enhance guest safety without creating unnecessary operational burdens.
Save the Date - Join Us in Washington
Mark your calendars for September 15-17, 2025! Join the IAAPA Public Affairs Conference at the Sofitel Washington, D.C., where you'll engage directly with policymakers on critical industry issues. This is your opportunity to influence policies affecting your business and network with industry leaders shaping the future of attractions.
Stay tuned for further updates, and as always, we appreciate your advocacy on behalf of the attractions industry!
Thank you,
Zach Stokes
Public Affairs Manager
IAAPA North America