Protecting Arts Funding

During the FY25 budget process, NJTIA successfully defeated legislation (S-3515/A-4708) introduced just days before the budget was set to pass that would have removed “poison pill” language from statute that requires a portion of hotel/motel occupancy fees to be used for arts and tourism funding. The bill also would’ve taken $5 million away from arts and tourism this year and put it in the general fund, setting a precedent for state lawmakers to raid the fund in the future. Due to our advocacy, the bill was completely amended to leave funding and the “poison pill” language fully intact.

Outdoor Dining Provisions

Covid-era outdoor dining expansions were a great benefit for restaurants and tourist attractions across the state. NJTIA was proud to support S-3608/A-4866 (Sarlo/Freiman) which signed into law on November 25, 2024 and made outdoor dining permissions permanent.

Heat Stress Standard

NJTIA is seeking amendments to remove tourism businesses from S-3884/A-5022 (Cryan/Quijano) which would create a number of rules for employees during high heat conditions. Under the bill, if it is 85 degrees or higher outside and 80 degrees or higher inside, employers would be mandated to implement heat stress standard protocols including providing paid rest breaks and cold water, limiting heat exposure, and postponing non-essential tasks, among other provisions. If employers are found not to be in compliance, the DOL could issue stop work orders across all of their businesses. NJTIA has argued that while heat stress may be a significant point of concern in warehouse settings that lack proper ventilation, outdoor tourist activities have long been in operation during summer months and these employers have adequate systems in place to protect employees. Subjecting them to potentially have to halt operation during critical summer months due to this legislation would be a detriment to our state and is not necessary for workers in our sector. 

Plastic Utensils

NJTIA is seeking amendments to S-3195/A-5157 (Smith/Collazos-Gill). This legislation would only allow single-use utensils and condiment containers to be given to customers at all food establishments upon request. We are seeking amendments to exempt outdoor venues and any places that do not have dedicated wait staff from a provision in the bill that would require food service businesses to provide a washable alternative utensil to customers. This requirement would be onerous for food establishments that do not have staff to collect and wash these utensils and can be dangerous in outdoor settings such as waterparks or sporting arenas.