RENTING ROOMS TO MINORS
House Bill 4627
Sponsor: Rep. Jason Allen
Committee: Commerce
Complete to 4-20-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4627 AS INTRODUCED 4-19-01
The bill would create a new act regarding the renting or leasing of rooms to minors by hotels and bed and breakfasts. The term "minor" would refer to a person under 18 years of age. Specifically, the bill would allow a hotel or bed and breakfast to refuse to rent or lease a room to a minor, except in certain specified circumstances.
A hotel or bed and breakfast could not refuse to rent or lease a room to a minor if:
·The minor was an emancipated minor.
·A parent or guardian had reserved the room for the minor in advance and had agreed in writing to accept the liability for the cost of the room and the use of the facilities and other privileges and for the cost of any damages to the room, furnishings, or other facilities caused by the minor and his or her guests. The hotel or bed and breakfast could require the parent or guardian to provide written authorization to charge a credit card for this liability or could require a cash deposit.
·The minor clearly demonstrated that he or she had experienced a roadside emergency requiring temporary lodging.
·A weather-related emergency existed that required the minor to seek temporary lodging.
The bill would also allow a hotel or bed and breakfast to require that an individual provide documentary evidence confirming his or her age, or documentary evidence of the emancipation of a minor, including a motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license, a registration certificate issued by the federal selective service, a marriage license, or other bona fide documentary evidence.
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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.