As we reach the end of 2023 you may be winding down from a busy season or gearing up for what’s to come. 2023 was a big one that included reviewing approximately 16,000 bills. And expectations for a total of 169,750 bills in 2024. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the end of the year, OHI (did you hear? ARVC is now OHI!) is bringing you the Q4 AHA to swiftly bring you up to speed on industry-related issues and keep you informed and prepared for what’s ahead.
The 30 second version of it?
Al Johnson, OHI’s representative on the NFPA 1192/1194 Technical Committee, reported on the recent First Draft meeting, where inputs for NFPA 1192 and 1194 were discussed. Notable approvals include inputs on charging pedestal locations, while inputs on sprinkler systems and fire alarms were rejected. Wade Elliott represents OHI on the NFPA 70 Code-Making Panel 07, as well. At the National Conference of State Legislatures Summit (NCSL), OHI engaged with representatives from AZ, GA, and VA on inherent risk legislation and potential EV charging station grants. And remember to always stay vigilant against post-disaster cyber threats. Plus, we’ve got resources from the U.S. Access Board’s webinar on accessible lodging and EV charging stations, and a check- in on product recalls issued by the CPSC. As always, you can find a comprehensive overview of the legislative landscape at ohi.org/advocacy/. There, you’ll find details on federal and state legislation, including bill numbers, links to full texts, and current statuses.
But don’t stop here. Deep dive into it, there’s more where that came from.
3 AHA! MOMENTS
The things you must know for the last quarter of 2023
The NFPA 1192/1194 Technical Committee Completes the First Draft meeting
Al Johnson, our NFPA 1192/1194 rep, shared highlights from the recent First Draft meeting in Denver (Aug 15-16, 2023). NFPA 1192 had 150 inputs, including a title reorg, while NFPA 1194 had 14 inputs. Approved: inputs on charging pedestal locations; Rejected: inputs on sprinklers and fire alarms. Task force reviewing inputs on lithium-ion battery extinguishers for possible 2025 code inclusion.
You can view this document through the free access portal at NFPA 1194: Standard for Recreational Vehicle Parks and Campgrounds.
OSHA Top Ten: How to Avoid the Most Frequently Cited Violations
They’re rampant, they hide in plain sight, and they have potentially dire consequences for your people and your bottom line. Is your organization doing enough to avoid the most common Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations? Every year, thousands of preventable incidents occur, causing needless injuries, illnesses, and—in some cases—deaths. From OSHA penalties to workers compensation claims to legal, operational, and reputational costs, businesses pay a significant toll. Learn learn how to avoid the 10 most frequently cited OSHA standards, one by one.
Protecting Against Post-Disaster Scams
In the aftermath of natural disasters, particularly hurricanes, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) emphasizes the critical need for heightened vigilance against malicious cyber activity. Perpetrators often exploit the vulnerability of disaster victims and concerned citizens through various social engineering tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs).
A primary concern is phishing, where threat actors impersonate trustworthy individuals or organizations, such as disaster-relief charities, to extract personal information through emails or malicious websites. CISA strongly advises users to exercise caution when handling emails with disaster-related subject lines, attachments, or hyperlinks to mitigate the risk of compromise. Additionally, be cautious of social media pleas and text messages related to severe weather events. To strengthen cybersecurity defenses, CISA recommends reviewing guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on staying alert to disaster-related scams and avoiding fraud. You can find valuable insights in CISA’s resources on using caution with email attachments and tips for avoiding social engineering and phishing attacks. Staying informed and adopting these proactive measures is essential to preventing malicious cyber activity in the wake of natural disasters.
THE W’S
Wins That Are Worth Bragging About
Legislation and Networking at the NCSL Summit
The National Conference of State Legislatures Summit, held from August 14-16, 2023, in Indianapolis, IN, proved to be a pivotal event for the Outdoor Hospitality Industry. Responding to requests from Arizona (AZ), Georgia (GA), and Virginia (VA), expressing interest in introducing inherent risk legislation, OHI seized the opportunity to advocate for this legislation and explore potential support for EV charging station grants with key state legislators and staff.
During the summit, OHI representatives engaged in a productive meeting with Senator Mike McKay and Delegate Ric Metzgar from Maryland. Both expressed keen interest in inherent risk legislation. And come to find out, Senator McKay holds a seasonal site at an OHI member park and has a personal connection with the owner.
OHI’s shared booth with RVIA and NMMA booth highlighted the industry’s commitment to fostering connections and advancing crucial legislative initiatives. The NCSL Summit is a platform for OHI to not only address legislative priorities but also build meaningful relationships within the industry and beyond.
QUICK BITS
Bite-sized Insights and Watchworthy Finds
Accessible Transient Lodging Webinar
This webinar addresses and clarifies requirements in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Standards for hotels, motels, and other types of transient lodging facilities. Presenters provide the required number and dispersion of compliant guest rooms and suites with mobility and communication features. Presenters also review accessibility requirements for guest accommodations, such as sleeping areas, bathrooms, kitchens and kitchenettes, storage, signage, fire alarms, and phones. Other common amenities, such as check-in counters, fitness centers, swimming pools and spas, bars and restaurants, and conference rooms, will also be covered.
Watch the webinar or download the session materials here, accessibilityonline.org/ao/archives/111064
Designing for Accessible EV Charging Stations Webinar
The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office) hosted a webinar on the Access Board’s design recommendations for accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The U.S. Access Board is an independent federal agency that issues accessibility guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other laws. Webinar panelist shared information and provided technical assistance to help in the design and construction of EV charging stations that are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. U.S. Access Board Transportation Systems Engineer Juliet Shoultz discussed accessibility guidelines and best practices.
Watch the webinar and download session materials here, driveelectric.gov/webinars/accessibility
Important Product Safety Recall Information
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued the following notices:
Generac Recalls Portable Generators Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards: Generac Recalls Portable Generators Due to Serious Fire and Burn Hazards | CPSC.gov
STIHL Recalls MSA 300 Chain Saws Due to Laceration Hazard: STIHL Recalls MSA 300 Chain Saws Due to Laceration Hazard | CPSC.gov
Engineered Controls International Recalls LP Gas Compact Regulators Due to Fire Hazard: Engineered Controls International Recalls LP Gas Compact Regulators Due to Fire Hazard | CPSC.gov
THE STATE OF THE STATES
Legislative Updates from Our State Executives
Indiana
Lawmakers Use RV for Statewide Legislative Tour
Indiana’s new welcome signs include the slogan “Explore IN Indiana”, and that’s just what three State Representatives did in IMHA-RVIC’s Coachmen motorhome. State Representatives Doug Miller (Elkhart), Tim O’Brien (Evansville) and Steve Bartels (Eckerty) toured the state in the RV for two weeks, meeting with lawmakers in their home districts. The trio met with dozens of lawmakers – including Republicans and Democrats, Representatives and Senators – to learn more about fellow legislators and how to collaborate better in future legislative sessions. Everyone they met signed an Indiana state flag, which included approximately 90 signatures by the end of their trip. Over the course of 2 weeks and roughly 2,000 miles, the group spent each night camping at a different Indiana state park.
The Representatives’ RV tour of Indiana was picked up by several news outlets, including Indiana Capital Chronicle and the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly.
Ohio
In Ohio, the first half of odd numbered years are dominated by the biennial budget process. This 2-year budget must be finalized by June 30th. This expansive bill includes tax policy changes and the funding levels for all state agencies for the next 2 years. One provision will shift the mission of Tourism Ohio to promote not just tourism, but also “living, learning, and working” in Ohio. Many of Ohio’s private campgrounds and their employees will benefit from tax cuts included in the budget package. Those tax changes include phasing in over 2 years a $6million exemption to the commercial activities tax and excludes the exempted amount from gross receipts subject to the 0.26% tax rate for taxpayers that remain subject to the tax. The bill reduces the state income tax brackets from three down to two. Ohioans earning less than $26,050 annually will pay no state income taxes. Those earning up to $100,000 will now pay 2.75%, and everyone above that salary will pay 3.5%. And finally the bill expanded and extended the sales tax holiday and generally provides that items under $500 are included in the holiday (with some exceptions).
At one point the House of Representatives had also proposed some significant reductions to funding for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. We learned some legislators thought the agency could be self-sufficient from leasing state grounds for fracking. That issue is still pending and is receiving some considerable media attention.
FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK
All Those Little (And Big) Questions You’ve Got, Answered
What is the difference between an Engrossed bill and an Enrolled bill?
-An engrossed bill is the official copy of a measure as passed by one chamber, including the text as amended by floor action.
-An enrolled bill is the final official copy of a measure as passed in identical form by both chambers and then printed on parchment for presentation to the President.
