STR Hosts, Legislative Action Is Heating Up Across the U.S.!
Hey there, our incredible short-term rental crew! You’re the heartbeat of hospitality. But new laws in New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont, and Washington could shape your STR business—some for the better, some with challenges. Here’s the latest on four key bills, plus how you can jump in to protect your hosting freedom!
New Mexico’s HM 52: A Fair Study for STRs
New Mexico’s House Memorial 52 is all about balance! It launches a Short-Term Rental Work Group to study STRs’ $1.1B economic impact (14,555 jobs, $82.1M in taxes!) and their role in workforce housing for traveling pros. By December 1, 2025, they’ll propose policies to keep STRs thriving without unfair tax hikes. HM 52 pauses counties from reclassifying STRs as commercial properties, saving hosts from steep tax jumps in places like Santa Fe ($33.6M in tax revenue). It’s in committee and has strong support—let’s keep it moving!
Ohio’s SB 104 & HB 109: No Bans, More Freedom
Ohio’s Senate Bill 104 and House Bill 109, led by Sen. Andrew Brenner and Rep. Justin Pizzulli, say YES to your right to host! These twin bills stop local governments from banning STRs in residential zones, capping your properties, or forcing you to live on-site. They also add lodging taxes to STRs, potentially boosting local funds by $29M a year ($121M to $150M), with platforms like Airbnb handling collection. STRs help Ohioans pay soaring property taxes and drive $46B in tourism. SB 104’s had two Senate hearings, while HB 109’s in House committee—time to rally!
Vermont’s H.242: A Threat to STR Jobs
Vermont’s H.242 could shake things up by limiting STRs to owner-occupied properties, potentially wiping out non-owner rentals. The Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance warns this would cut $460M in GDP, $650M in visitor spending, $54M in taxes, and 6,000 jobs—yikes! STRs power 60% of Vermont’s visitor lodging (450,000 guests yearly) using just 3% of housing. Introduced February 18, 2025, it’s stalled in the General and Housing Committee, with a March 14 deadline passed. It may resurface in 2026, so stay vigilant!
Washington’s SB 5576: Local Taxes for Housing
Washington’s Senate Bill 5576, championed by Sen. Liz Lovelett, swaps a statewide STR tax for an optional 4% local excise tax to fund affordable housing. STRs tie up ~35,000 housing units, and this tax aims to ease shortages while keeping tourism strong ($78M in taxes already collected by Airbnb in 2023). Amended from 6% to 4% after a February 25, 2025, hearing, it’s now in the Senate Rules Committee, awaiting a full Senate vote. The Washington Hosts Collaborative Alliance says it could hit small hosts and local guests hard—your voice matters!
Why This Matters for You
From rural retreats to city escapes, STRs let you share your space, cover costs, and boost local economies using tools like Host Tools, Duve, or Lynx Automation. HM 52 and SB 104/HB 109 protect your rights, but H.242 and SB 5576 could add restrictions or costs. Together, these bills show the tug-of-war between housing needs and hosting freedom—let’s shape the outcome!
Take Action Now
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New Mexico: Tell the NM Short-Term Rental Association how tools like Your Welcome help your STR—shape HM 52’s study!
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Ohio: Urge the Senate Local Government Committee (SB 104) and House Development Committee (HB 109) to pass these bills. Ohio REALTORS need your support!
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Vermont: Join VSTRA to fight H.242’s job-killing rules. Share how STRs drive $1,500 in local spending per 3-day guest stay.
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Washington: Contact the Senate Rules Committee to weigh in on SB 5576’s tax—balance housing goals with hosting realities.
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Tech Boost: Use Bookboost or HiJiffy to streamline guest chats, freeing time to advocate!
What’s your STR story? Facing local rules or loving a platform like ConciergeBot? Comment in the Community and let us know, and let’s keep hospitality strong!
