Legislative Issues That Will Change Future Gym Operations

Spring is here, and many states have been wrapping up their legislative work. In most cases this has been good news, as the majority adjourned without passing harmful pieces of legislation. Unfortunately, several states tried, and two states succeeded, in pushing through late changes that affect the industry.

An Active Spring for States

We were able to hold off bonding changes in Hawaii, a sales tax in Tennessee, and changes to the certification of personal trainers in Louisiana. Then—in the eleventh-hour—Kentucky pushed through a sales tax bill, and Vermont passed a law restricting auto-renew contracts. It has been an active spring, and it is not over yet.

Here's a look at the last month of legislative action at the state level. Be sure to log in to your state’s advocacy page for the latest legislative updates on issues that could affect your business and your members.

• Louisiana Lawmakers Remove Certification Language from Occupational Regulation Bill
• Illinois Bill Removing Caps Gets Senate Hearing
• New Hampshire Anti-Discrimination Bill to Become Law
• Hawaii Bonding Bill Defeated in Conference Committee
• California Day Camp Bill Amended and Expanded
• Vermont Automatic Renewal Bill to Become Law
• Tennessee Adjourns without Passing Amusement Tax Change
• Kentucky Tax Reform Bill to Become Law
• Sales Tax Proposal Defeated as Nebraska Adjourns for 2018
• Iowa Legislature Adjourns for 2018

On the Federal Front

As you know, we were working to get PHIT into the omnibus spending bill. Unfortunately, PHIT did not make it in, but that was just one opportunity.

The tremendous support from industry experts like you generated more than 3,500 messages to Congress in support of PHIT. Capitol Hill hears us. All of our efforts to promote PHIT have resulted in several bills before Congress including PHIT language.

What we need to do now is get PHIT called up for a hearing by the House Ways and Means Committee. Having PHIT heard by the Committee will put it one step closer to being debated on the House or Senate floor.

You can find out if your member of Congress is on House Ways & Means or in a key district to influence House Ways & Means. If you see your member on either list—take action to get PHIT heard!

Have a question or concern about legislative issues impacting the health and fitness industry across the country or locally? Email the IHRSA team. In the meantime, we’ll continue to analyze the action, so you know when to take yours.