Texas Joins Arizona, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan and More US States Waiting to Watch Some Groundbreaking Tourism Policies like One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Hawaii Green Tax, National Park Fee and Many More to Start from January 1, 2026

Published on December 31, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As 2026 approaches, Texas is set to join states like Arizona, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan in embracing a wave of groundbreaking tourism policies that will drastically reshape how travel and tourism are managed across the U.S. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Hawaii Green Tax, and National Park Fee are just a few of the major policy shifts that will come into effect starting January 1, 2026. These policies are designed to address a range of socioeconomic and environmental challenges, from boosting local infrastructure to addressing climate change through environmental surcharges and tourism taxes.

In Texas, these changes are expected to have significant implications for both tourism operators and travelers. As states across the country brace for these changes, Texas is uniquely positioned to make a mark with its new tourism levy policies that could influence everything from park entry fees to eco-friendly initiatives aimed at enhancing the state’s natural beauty. Tourism advocates are eagerly awaiting the full impact of these regulations, which are set to reshape how visitors experience the state.

The year 2026 will be a pivotal one in global regulation, as a series of groundbreaking policies take effect, reshaping everything from fiscal policies to environmental laws. From the United States to Europe, new legislative actions will impact citizens, businesses, and governments alike. Among the most notable updates are changes in tourism taxes, climate change regulations, and corporate sustainability standards. In the U.S., states like Hawaii, California, Florida, and Texas are leading the charge in making bold regulatory shifts, while the European Union is set to implement sweeping environmental reforms. Let’s break down how these changes will impact you, wherever you are in the world.

The U.S. Fiscal Overhaul: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) Makes Big Waves

In 2026, the U.S. will fully implement the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), a historic piece of legislation that will reshape the U.S. tax system. This bill brings permanent changes to the Internal Revenue Code, making tax cuts permanent and restructuring the labor and manufacturing landscape. The goal? To provide certainty for U.S. taxpayers and encourage domestic production. For example, tax brackets have been expanded to ensure middle-class Americans don’t face higher taxes due to inflation-driven wage increases.

In states like California, Texas, and New York, the OBBBA’s effects will be felt as residents benefit from expanded standard deductions and tax rate adjustments. The tax relief isn’t just for the wealthy — families and low-income workers will feel the impact as standard deductions increase, reducing the overall tax burden for millions of Americans. The bracket expansion ensures that inflation doesn’t push anyone unfairly into higher tax brackets. The tax rate adjustments will provide critical support for individuals and businesses in states such as California, where high taxes have often led to complaints. Read More on OBBBA Impact

Hawaii’s Green Fee: Climate Change Takes Center Stage in Tourism

In 2026, Hawaii is introducing a first-of-its-kind “Green Fee” aimed at funding environmental resilience and climate change mitigation efforts. Hawaii’s Green Fee is a new Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) increase of 0.75%, raising the total tax rate on hotel rooms and vacation rentals to 11%. This fee is designed to support climate change projects, including beach restoration, invasive species control, and wildfire prevention. While it is being challenged in court by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), this fee will be collected from tourists, with cruise passengers also subject to a daily surcharge. The fee will generate an estimated $100 million annually for environmental projects in the state.

The fee will apply not just to hotel stays but also to the cruise industry, impacting travelers visiting Honolulu, Maui, and Kauai. This marks a major shift in how tourism is taxed and will likely become a model for other U.S. states. Explore Hawaii’s Green Fee

National Parks: Non-Resident Tourists Will Pay Higher Fees

Starting in 2026, international visitors will face significant fee increases when entering America’s national parks. Popular parks like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, and Grand Canyon will see foreign visitors paying up to $100 per person for entry, in addition to standard entrance fees. The “America the Beautiful” annual pass for non-residents will rise to $250, more than three times the fee for U.S. residents. This is part of the Department of the Interior’s initiative to generate more revenue for the maintenance and preservation of national parks, particularly in states like Arizona, Utah, and California. This change raises concerns about the impact on international tourism but emphasizes the need to preserve these national treasures for future generations. Read More About National Park Surcharges

Florida Shifts Tourism Tax Focus: Infrastructure Over Marketing

In Florida, a significant change to how tourism taxes are used will be implemented in 2026. For the first time, Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue will be redirected from marketing efforts to fund public infrastructure projects in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa. Legislative changes will allow counties to allocate bed taxes to local property tax relief, public safety, and affordable housing projects instead of traditional destination marketing. While this bold move is aimed at improving local communities, it may impact Florida’s ability to stay competitive against other global destinations, raising concerns among tourism industry advocates. Learn More on Florida’s Tourism Budget

California’s Plastic Bag Ban: A New Era of Environmental Accountability

Starting January 1, 2026, California will implement a major plastic waste law with the passage of Senate Bill 1053. This legislation bans single-use plastic bags from grocery stores, retail outlets, and convenience shops across the state. The new law closes loopholes for thicker plastic bags that were marketed as reusable but were rarely recycled. Businesses will now only be allowed to offer recycled paper bags for a minimum fee of 10 cents. This ban is part of a larger push to reduce plastic pollution in California’s waterways, with other states following suit. California is leading the way in environmental stewardship and consumer responsibility. Read More About California’s Plastic Bag Ban

Europe’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: A Game-Changer for Businesses

2026 is also the year when the European Union will enforce the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This law mandates that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must collect and report data on their environmental impacts, including carbon emissions and supply chain practices. The EU’s Green Deal is also pushing for higher sustainability standards in business operations, requiring companies to be more transparent about their environmental footprint. Although the EU has granted SMEs the option to opt-out until 2028, this move signifies a fundamental shift toward accountable and sustainable business practices that will influence global supply chains. Learn More About CSRD

Global Sustainability in 2026: A Year of Environmental and Regulatory Evolution

The year 2026 is poised to be a turning point in how we address climate change, economic inequality, and corporate accountability. From the U.S. tax reforms to California’s plastic bag ban, Hawaii’s Green Fee, and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the global regulatory landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. Businesses must adapt to new environmental requirements, and governments are taking a more proactive role in protecting public resources. Whether you’re in Florida, Hawaii, or California, these groundbreaking initiatives will shape the future of global governance, sustainability, and economic policy for years to come.

In conclusion, 2026 marks a transformative year in global governance, with significant regulatory shifts reshaping fiscal policies, environmental protections, and labor standards. The U.S., European Union, and other key global regions are embracing a more interventionist approach, ensuring greater transparency, sustainability, and economic stability. From the One Big Beautiful Bill Act in the U.S. to the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, these changes reflect a profound commitment to long-term growth, equity, and environmental stewardship. Countries like Hawaii and California are pioneering environmental tax reforms, while Florida and Texas are shifting their focus on tourism tax revenues towards local infrastructure improvements. As these policies unfold, businesses, governments, and citizens alike must adapt to the evolving landscape. The changes coming in 2026 are not just adjustments—they represent a fundamental shift in how the world will govern, operate, and thrive in the future. The world is changing fast, and those ready for it will reap the benefits.