Join: Lodging Member

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Our association is honored to be the united voice of the hotel industry in South Dakota and we could not do it without your membership. SDHLA advocates for hotel and lodging businesses at the State Capitol and ensures that public policy is in the best interest of our members. Our association works with various branches of state government to help ensure equitable treatment of lodging establishments. We continually monitor state rates to assure that the state employees and the industry are fairly treated. We have a strong grassroots effort to support our industry prior to and during the legislative session. We also have two full time lobbyists at the Capitol during the legislative session to work on our behalf and keep members informed about legislation that could affect their livelihood. When legislators or state agencies have questions about industry specifics, they come to us for answers, perspective, and input. SDHLA's recent legislative priorities include:  

• In 2023, House Bill 1109 that would have allowed Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to modify their occupation tax. SDHLA Board supported House Bill 1109 because our board believes in local control and this bill would allow  the local BID to be created in a way that fit their community's needs. SDHLA was disappointed at the veto, but looks forward to future ways to be a voice for the hotel and lodging industry but looks forward to continuing the BID discussion with lawmakers. 

• In 2022, we stopped a bill from being drafted that would require carbon dioxide monitors to be in every single hotel room.  

• In 2021, SDHLA worked with over 40 other organizations to help pass HB 1046, a bill which would limit liability to certain COVID-19 exposures. 

• Providing public input on the how the framework for the $400 million in CARES Act funding should be structured. SDHLA shared testimony on the economic impact of COVID-19 and asked for considerations for hoteliers.  

• In 2020, SDHLA drafted, introduced, and passed SB 140, which curbs drive by ADA Lawsuits in South Dakota. This bill was vital to protect hotels and other businesses in our state from predatory con artists using ADA as a shield. 

• Starting July 1, 2019, the South Dakota State Rate for Hotel and Lodging increased from $55 September-May and $70 June-August to $75 year-round. SDHLA leads the way for this increase every time the rate changes! 

• In 2019, several bills would have negatively affected your businesses. In particular, HB 1241, if passed in its original form, would require every employee over the age of 16 who comes in contact with guests to attend a 40-hour human trafficking training from the Attorney General’s Office in Pierre. EVERY SINGLE LODGING ESTABLISHMENT and EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE in our state would have been required to attend on an ANNUAL basis. SDHLA worked to make sure this would not be mandated in South Dakota. 

In addition to lobbying efforts, members have access to industry information in association newsletters and networking opportunities. Another perk: SDHLA members benefit from our partner programs, designed to save them money! The association also provides timely educational events on topics relevant to the industry.  

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, SDHLA has continually advocated at both the state and federal levels for relief for the industry. We have participated in townhalls, television interviews, and the special session of the Legislature to ensure the state of the industry is top of mind for not only lawmakers but the general public as well. The association worked with the state Department of Health to identify hotels with capacity for quarantined hospital staff and other essential employees.  

Interested?  Contact the South Dakota Hotel & Lodging Association at 

605-868-1839, or see below for an application!