HCS SB 526 -- LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS

SPONSOR: Childers (Berkstresser)

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Tourism, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs by a vote of 13 to 0.

The substitute requires that seasonal resorts located in counties of the third classification be inspected by the Department of Health by the first of August of each year.

This substitute also gives hotel operators the right to refuse or deny the use of a room, accommodations, facilities, or other privileges of the hotel if:

(1) An individual is unwilling or unable to pay for the room;

(2) An individual is visibly intoxicated, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and disorderly;

(3) The operator believes the room or accommodation is being sought for unlawful purpose;

(4) Something is being brought in which may create an unreasonable danger or risk, including explosives or the unlawful use of firearms; or

(5) An individual's use of a room or accommodations would result in a violation of the maximum capacity of the hotel.

Hotel operators will be allowed to require prospective guests to demonstrate an ability to pay for the accommodations and to require parents and guardians of prospective minor guests to supply a security deposit or be financially responsible for any damages caused by the minor guest.

The substitute lists reasons why a hotel operator may remove a guest from the hotel. Hotel operators may also require that prospective guests provide a valid form of identification.

A guest register may be kept and maintained.

FISCAL NOTE: No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that seasonal resorts should be inspected just like full time resorts for the health and protection of all customers.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Childers; and Missouri Hotel and Motel Association.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

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