Legislative Priorities
Illinois hotels are essential economic engines for communities across the state. They support jobs, generate tax revenue, welcome visitors, host meetings and events, and help power local restaurants, retailers, attractions, and small businesses.
At the same time, hotel owners and operators are facing growing cost pressures. Higher interest rates, rising labor expenses, increased insurance premiums, energy costs, and the rising cost of supplies and renovations are making it more difficult to operate, hire, and reinvest in properties.
IHLA’s legislative agenda is focused on practical, balanced policies that protect jobs, keep Illinois competitive, support tourism, and ensure hotels can continue serving guests and communities across the state.
Workforce Development: Keep the Grant Working for Illinois
IHLA secured a workforce development grant through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to attract, train, and connect Illinois residents with high-demand careers in the hotel and hospitality industry. Now that the funding is being deployed, IHLA is putting the program into action as intended by the General Assembly. Reappropriating the remaining grant balance will ensure the initiative reaches its full potential—helping hotels meet urgent workforce needs, supporting local economies, and opening more pathways to stable, long-term hospitality careers.
No Pay, No Stay: Fast Relief for Squatting and Non-Payment – SUPPORT SB 3599/HB 5222
IHLA is advocating for legislation that gives hotel operators a clearer and faster process to remove guests who stop paying and refuse to leave. Hotels are intended for short-term stays, yet the current legal process can allow non-paying occupants to remain for weeks or even months, creating financial, operational, and safety challenges. SB 3599/HB 5222 modernizes Illinois law while maintaining appropriate protections for legitimate housing arrangements. This commonsense proposal will help protect hotel employees, paying guests, and property owners from the growing costs and disruptions associated with squatting and prolonged non-payment.
Hotel Renovation Tax Credit: Investing in Illinois’ Hotel Infrastructure – SUPPORT HB 5203
IHLA is advocating for the Hotel Renovation Tax Credit to help hotel operators offset the rising cost of property improvements and move forward with needed renovations. Hotels must continually reinvest in guest rooms, public spaces, safety systems, furnishings, and equipment to remain modern, competitive, and welcoming. However, inflation, higher financing costs, supply chain disruptions, and increased construction expenses have made these projects significantly more difficult to complete. HB 5203 would encourage reinvestment in Illinois hotels, support construction and hospitality jobs, strengthen local economies, and help the state compete for visitors, conventions, meetings, tournaments, and major events.
Guaranteeing Consumer Transparency and Protecting Guests – SUPPORT SB 2013/HB 3173
IHLA supports SB 2013/HB 3173 to protect travelers from deceptive hotel booking websites that falsely appear to be affiliated with a hotel. These spoofing sites can misrepresent rates and policies, add unexpected fees, create customer service problems, and damage the reputation of legitimate hotel businesses. Strengthening disclosure requirements and enforcement will help consumers clearly understand who they are booking with, support responsible businesses, and create a more transparent and trustworthy online hotel marketplace.
Protect Hotel Taxes for Tourism Promotion – OPPOSE HB 4218
IHLA opposes HB 4218 and other efforts to redirect hotel tax revenue away from tourism promotion and toward unrelated municipal expenses. Hotel taxes were established to attract visitors, meetings, conventions, and events that generate economic activity throughout local communities. When these funds are invested in destination marketing and tourism development, they help fill hotel rooms, support restaurants and attractions, sustain local jobs, and create additional tax revenue. Diverting hotel tax dollars weakens this economic cycle and makes Illinois communities less competitive with other destinations. Protecting these revenues ensures they continue to strengthen the visitor economy and support long-term community growth.
A Strong Voice for Illinois Hotels
IHLA advocates every day for policies that strengthen Illinois’ hotel and lodging industry. Our work is focused on protecting members, supporting employees, improving the guest experience, and ensuring Illinois remains a leading destination for business and leisure travel. Through direct advocacy, coalition building, and member engagement, IHLA works to make sure the hotel industry’s voice is heard at every level of government.