June 18, 2025 – Leaders from the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) took center stage at BizFed Sacramento Days, a major advocacy event that brings business leaders together with California lawmakers to address key policy issues affecting industries statewide — especially hospitality.
At the event, AAHOA North Pacific Regional Director Ankit Panchal and Director of State & Local Government Affairs Almario Duehart met with legislators to highlight the challenges and priorities of hotel owners across California.
Engaging with California Lawmakers
During the Sacramento visit, AAHOA representatives connected with several prominent state officials, including:
- Assemblymember Matt Haney (CA-17)
- Senator Aisha Wahab (D–CA)
- Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R–CA)
These meetings provided opportunities to spotlight critical issues from the hotel industry’s perspective and build legislative partnerships.
Legislative Priorities Discussed
AAHOA focused on two key pieces of legislation that could shape the future of hospitality in California:
SB 346 – Transparency for Short-Term Rentals
This bill would require short-term rental platforms (like Airbnb) to disclose important property details — such as parcel numbers, local license numbers, and tax information — to local governments. Non-compliance would trigger penalties. The effort aims to level the playing field for traditional hotels, which already follow stringent local and state rules.
AB 342 – Hospitality Zones to Boost Tourism
Co-authored by Assemblymember Haney and co-sponsored by Senator Scott Wiener, this bill proposes creating “Hospitality Zones” in high-tourism areas. Within these zones, venues serving alcohol could stay open later — until 4 a.m. on weekends and select holidays. Advocates say this could enhance nightlife, attract more visitors, and boost the local economy.
AAHOA’s Continued Advocacy
By engaging directly with lawmakers, AAHOA strengthens its role as a key voice for hotel owners, pushing for fair regulation, economic growth, and policies that support the long-term success of the hospitality industry in California and beyond.
