Advocacy in Action | February 26, 2026
2026 Legislative Tracker
The Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association actively monitors a wide range of legislation throughout each legislative session. It's important to note that the introduction of a bill does not guarantee its passage.
The CRHA Bill Tracker gives you a sense of the breadth and variety of legislation we track throughout session, as well as an overview on the status of each bill. This tracker will get updated regularly with the latest information coming out of session.
Webinar: Immigration Essentials for Restaurants
🗓️ Tuesday, March 3
đź•‘ 2PM
👉 Register here
Immigration enforcement continues to be an evolving challenge for restaurant operators, particularly given the industry’s diverse workforce. To help operators navigate I‑9 requirements, Notices of Inspections, and other enforcement actions, the National Restaurant Association and the Restaurant Law Center are hosting a timely webinar offering practical, operational guidance.
Key Takeaways Include:
- Understanding common immigration enforcement scenarios, including I‑9 audits and administrative inspections
- Communicating calmly and appropriately with employees about immigration‑related concerns
- Proactively preparing your operation for potential enforcement, including I‑9 reviews and response planning
- Knowing what to do if ICE visits a restaurant while minimizing disruption and staying compliant
On This Week in Connecticut: Scott Talks Tourism Funding
Scott Dolch joins Dennis House on WTNH’s On This Week in Connecticut, discussing the importance of funding the tourism industry and how it will boost the economy.
Four bills have been introduced in the state’s 2026 legislative session with the goal of significantly increasing financial support for the state’s Tourism Fund.
Each bill proposes that part of the revenue from the 1% sales-and-use tax on meals is allocated to the state’s Tourism Fund - a surcharge that has been in place since 2019.
Tourism funding has decreased over the past four years, with the state funding just $4.5 million in 2026 - 63% below the level just three years ago.
CRHA will continue advocating for this change and will keep members informed of when action is required.
Article: Final Pay Requirements
Connecticut maintains some of the strictest final pay requirements in the nation. When employment ends, employers face rigid statutory deadlines. Miss them, and the potential consequences multiply quickly: Double damages. Criminal penalties. Class action exposure. The law is clear — even if many employers remain unaware of the requirements, or penalties.
Check out this helpful resource from our partners at Pullman & Comley.
Attorney Ryan O’Donnell, Pullman & Comley, LLC, focuses his legal practice on the representation of management in labor and employment matters. Ryan specializes in issues unique to the restaurant and hospitality industries, and routinely works with restaurants to ensure they remain compliant with an array of legal challenges distinct to the restaurant industry, including wage and hour issues and discrimination/Title VII claims.
CRHA members are eligible to receive a free 30 minute consultation with Ryan and member exclusive pricing on continued legal services.
Latest on Tariffs
Last Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued a 6–3 decision finding that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to impose open‑ended tariffs, striking down a major portion of President Trump’s tariff agenda.
The decision invalidates broad “reciprocal” tariffs based on trade deficits and duties on Mexico, Canada, and China justified under fentanyl‑related national emergency claims.
Following the ruling, the President issued several Executive Orders imposing new tariffs using different tools, such as a 10% global tariff under Section 122, which is in force for imports entered on/after Feb. 24 and runs until July 24. The President has stated that he intends to increase this tariff rate from 10% to 15%.
These tariffs apply to all imports, except for a detailed list of exempt categories, amongst which includes many agricultural goods such as beef, tomatoes, oranges and coffee.
The Court did not outline refund or enforcement mechanics. Agencies are assessing and will issue further instructions.
Trump's State of the Union Address
In his State of the Union address, President Trump outlined his administration’s policy priorities, focusing on the economy, immigration, national security, and trade.
Trump strongly defended his tariff strategy and signaled continued use of import taxes, even after a Supreme Court setback. He argued tariffs could replace parts of the income-tax system and bring in large federal revenue. The administration has already moved forward with a temporary 10% global tariff through alternate authority.
A major portion of the speech emphasized tightened immigration enforcement and deportations. Immigration remains a central policy priority for the administration.
While hospitality was not singled out, the economic, labor, and trade policies discussed have meaningful operational and financial implications for the industry.
U.S. Inflation Reporting
Recent reporting finds that U.S. inflation cooled to about 2.4% in January 2026, moving closer to the Federal Reserve’s target.
Core inflation also eased, but economists caution that companies may still pass tariff-related costs through to consumers in the coming months. For restaurants and hospitality operators, this means overall inflation pressure is moderating, but input costs tied to trade policy could continue to affect food, beverage, and supply pricing in the near term.
National Restaurant Association Joins Coalition to Address Rising Electricity Transmission Costs
The National Restaurant Association joined a coalition urging the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to rein in rapidly rising electricity transmission costs.
The coalition, which spans manufacturers, retailers, consumer groups, and business associations, is pressing FERC to increase competition in utility transmission projects and strengthen cost containment rules.
DHS Shutdown Impacts TSA Operations
A shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security took effect early Feb. 14, impacting the Transportation Security Administration, which screens passengers and baggage at airports nationwide.
TSA officers are required to continue working without pay while Congress negotiates DHS funding. Unlike the government shutdown, the rest of the federal government, including the Federal Aviation Administration, remains funded through Sept. 30, reducing the immediate risk of widespread flight cancellations.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association, among other industry groups, warn that prolonged funding lapses can lead to staffing shortages, longer security lines and travel delays.