The Next Wave of Hotel Safety Mandates: What to Know for 2025 - 2026
- Tarveen Batra
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
Behind every seamless guest stay is a team that feels protected and empowered. Over the last few years, a growing number of states and cities have taken bold steps to strengthen employee protections, particularly through panic button mandates for hotel staff.
And now, as we move into 2025 and 2026, a new wave of compliance deadlines is reshaping how midscale and full-service hotels approach safety technology, staff training, and operations.
The Growing Mandate Movement
Panic button laws - also referred to as hotel employee safety device (ESD) mandates - require hotels to equip employees who work alone in guest rooms or secluded areas with a device that can summon immediate help.
What started as a handful of local ordinances has now become an industry-wide expectation, driven by a shared goal: protecting hospitality workers from harassment, assault, and unsafe conditions.
New York City Leads the 2025 Compliance Wave
The New York City Safe Hotels Act, signed in late 2024 and effective May 3, 2025, sets a new standard for hotel operations:
Hotels must provide panic buttons to employees who enter occupied guest rooms - at no cost to staff.
Properties must obtain an operating license tied to compliance with these safety measures.
Larger hotels must directly employ core operational staff (such as housekeepers and front-desk employees) rather than relying on contractors.
Mandatory human trafficking prevention training and cleanliness standards have been formalized.
New York City’s approach is being closely watched by other major markets and could serve as a blueprint for additional city-level mandates across the U.S.
Washington State: Expanded Rules Effective January 1, 2026
Washington was one of the first states to pass panic button legislation back in 2020 - but new amendments have been approved that take effect January 1, 2026.
These updates expand employer obligations to include:
Enhanced training requirements for all covered employees and managers.
Broader coverage to include contract workers and third-party cleaning services.
Detailed specifications for panic button functionality and response protocols.
Record-keeping and annual reporting obligations for hotels and motels.
For hoteliers in the Pacific Northwest, this means compliance planning should start now - including system audits, updated training programs, and documentation processes.
California: From City Ordinances to Potential Statewide Action
While California doesn’t yet have a statewide hotel safety mandate, its cities have been at the forefront of local regulation.
Los Angeles requires panic buttons for staff who clean guest rooms or restrooms (effective August 2022).
Santa Monica, Oakland, Long Beach, Sacramento, West Hollywood, and Irvine have all enacted similar ordinances.
Industry advocates continue to push for a statewide bill (AB 1761) that could unify requirements across all hotels - a move that’s being discussed for the 2026 legislative cycle.
For multi-property operators, these overlapping local laws mean that consistency is key. Implementing a single, enterprise-wide solution helps ensure uniform compliance across different municipalities.
Other States Keeping the Momentum
Several other states continue to strengthen or enforce existing mandates:
Illinois: The Hotel and Casino Employee Safety Act remains in full effect, requiring hotels with 100+ rooms to equip staff with wireless panic buttons.
New Jersey: Hotels with 100+ rooms must provide panic buttons to employees working alone - with fines up to $10,000 for non-compliance.
Florida (Miami Beach) and Nevada (Clark County) have local laws that serve as models for broader statewide consideration.
Industry experts expect more states - particularly those with high tourism volumes - to introduce new mandates in 2026 and beyond.
What Hotel Operators Should Do Now
Whether your properties fall under an existing mandate or anticipate one soon, preparation is critical. Here’s where to start:
Audit Current Compliance Status Identify which of your properties operate in mandated jurisdictions and confirm they meet the latest device, training, and reporting requirements.
Standardize Safety Technology Adopt a panic button platform that provides real-time location tracking, immediate alert routing, and reporting tools that meet evolving legal standards.
Update Training and SOPs Ensure your teams understand how and when to use safety devices - and that management is ready to respond effectively to alerts.
Monitor Legislation Quarterly New rules often appear first at the city or county level. Stay informed so compliance doesn’t become a last-minute scramble.
The Bigger Picture
These new mandates aren’t just about checking a box - they reflect a cultural shift in hospitality. Safety has become a defining element of the employee experience, influencing satisfaction, retention, and brand reputation.
Hotels that invest early in compliance and technology demonstrate leadership - not only protecting their people but positioning themselves as trusted employers and partners in the hospitality community.
Compliance Made Simple with TraknProtect
TraknProtect partners with hotels nationwide to simplify compliance through smart, connected safety solutions. Our Enterprise Safety Platform delivers real-time location tracking, instant alerts, and secure reporting - ensuring hotels are ready for every mandate that comes next.
As new deadlines approach in 2025 and 2026, TraknProtect helps properties stay compliant, protect their teams, and maintain peace of mind.
Is your hotel ready for the next wave of compliance? Contact TraknProtect to schedule a safety readiness review.
