State & Local Advocacy
MHLA Lodging Members stay informed on issues impacting the industry, and help determine the Association’s legislative priorities each year. Wins help to set and maintain a reasonable business climate for hotel operators throughout Maryland, and our efforts have paid off. A few examples include the following:
MHLA is committed to No Room for Trafficking - an awareness program that builds on the industry’s ongoing commitment and work to end human trafficking. MHLA has successful worked with policy makers at the state and local level to ensure mandated training requirements align with actions already proactively taken by the industry.
In response to MHLA’s petition on behalf of hotels, $50M in direct hotel relief was allocated by Governor Hogan and distributed through Maryland counties in early 2021, making Maryland one of the first states to provide direct relief specifically to hotels.
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Over the course of many years, MHLA has successfully advocated in multiple counties and statewide for the right of hotel operators to determine their own lifeguard needs at small hotel pools. In 2022, MHLA opposed and defeated SB139, which proposed requiring a lifeguard at all hotel pools in Maryland. On average, these efforts have saved hotels with a seasonal outdoor or year-round indoor pool an average of $20,000 – $45,000 annually if a lifeguard is not needed.
MHLA Lodging Members may serve on our Legislative Committee or request MHLA’s involvement in local issues. It’s important to maintain membership before issues arise to ensure swift activation by the Association, just like an insurance policy retained to protect against unforeseen threats on your business.