REGULATIONS FOR RENTING HOTEL/BED AND BREAKFAST ROOMS TO MINORS
House Bill 4539
Sponsor: Rep. Virg Bernero
Committee: Commerce
Complete to 7-30-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4539 AS INTRODUCED 3-28-01
House Bill 4539 would amend the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.411t) to regulate the renting or leasing of hotel or bed and breakfast rooms to minors-i.e., persons under the age of 18 who are not legally emancipated. The bill would permit a hotel or bed and breakfast to rent or lease a room to a minor if the minor's parent or guardian gave either verbal or written permission to the hotel or bed and breakfast. If the parent or guardian gave verbal permission, he or she would have to appear in person at the hotel or bed and breakfast. If the parent or guardian gave written permission, he or she could appear either at the hotel or bed and breakfast or an affiliate of the hotel or bed and breakfast. A hotel or bed and breakfast, and an employee of the establishment, who knowingly rented or leased a room to a minor without a parent or guardian's permission or who failed to make "diligent inquiry" as to the person's age would be guilty of a misdemeanor. The offense would be punishable by imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of up to $500, or both. However, proof that the establishment or its employee demanded and was shown a motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license, a registration certificate issued by the federal selective service, or other bona fide documentary evidence of an individual's age and identity before renting or leasing a room to the individual would constitute a defense.
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.