AN UPDATE ON HFA’S EFFORTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

HFA Makes Its Case at the National Conference of Legislatures

HFA Senior Manager of State Affairs Cassie Losey represented HFA at the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit in Chicago on July 27-29. Losey connected with state legislators, legislative staff, and healthcare leaders from across the country to discuss legislation and the fitness industry’s integral role in preventive health. As would be expected from an HFA team member, Losey made sure to get in a workout or two and visited a few of Chicago’s fitness facilities, including a SoulCycle class in Old Town led by Isaiah Alexander. It was a reunion of sorts, since Losey had enjoyed one of Alexander’s classes when he taught in Palm Beach, Florida, a few years ago.

(l to r) Jaymie Krems, managing director at 50 State; Phoebe E. Neseth, government relations, public affairs & legal at Community Associations Institute; and Losey.

Alexander and Losey.

Losey spreading the HFA message at the legislative summit.

State Affairs Update

Losey and the rest of the HFA advocacy team were busy building up a sweat beyond the Windy City (it’s hot everywhere). Here are some of the recent pieces of legislation that HFA is monitoring around the country right now.

California

Price Cap/Multiservice Studio Legislation and Cold Spa Legislation

The California Legislature is on summer recess until August 3, but before recess:

● HFA’s price cap/multiservice studio legislation advanced out of committee and continues to move forward. The HFA advocacy team remains optimistic about its prospects when lawmakers return.

● While the cold spa legislation did not advance this session, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner submitted a letter to the California Department of Public Health requesting interim guidance. HFA remains actively engaged with lawmakers and agency partners as that process moves forward.

Illinois

Chicago Labor Law Updates

Several Chicago ordinances took effect on July 1 that may impact fitness facilities operating within the city, including:

● Paid leave and paid sick and safe leave requirements

● Fair workweek scheduling requirements

● Annual minimum wage increases

If you operate a facility in Chicago and would like guidance on these new requirements, please contact Cassie Losey.

Michigan

Automatic Renewal Legislation

HFA worked with the Michigan Fitness Alliance's lobbyist to successfully remove a provision that would have required fitness facilities to send monthly receipts to members. Instead, receipts would be required only if the terms of the membership agreement change. This is a positive outcome that helps reduce unnecessary administrative burdens for operators while maintaining consumer protections.

New Jersey

Liability Waivers

The liability waiver legislation did not advance before the legislature recessed for the summer. The bill was not identified as a priority by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Lawmakers return in September, and HFA will continue monitoring the issue.

New York

Price Cap Legislation

Legislation updating New York's membership price cap for multiservice fitness facilities is expected to reach the governor's desk later this year, and we anticipate it will be signed into law. If enacted, this will be a significant win for the industry, giving fitness facilities greater flexibility to offer members more membership options while modernizing an outdated law.

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Health & Fitness Business (HFB) is the leading health and fitness industry publication. Published monthly by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) and distributed free to the industry, HFB offers analysis of the opportunities, challenges, issues, and news that impact the industry.

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