The proposed bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing new articles and sections that specifically address the participation of hotels and motels in housing voucher programs for homeless individuals and families. It establishes that counties, cities, towns, and housing authorities are prohibited from mandating hotels and motels to participate in such programs that utilize unoccupied guest rooms for housing purposes. This prohibition is intended to protect the rights of hotel and motel operators regarding their involvement in housing initiatives.

The bill includes definitions for key terms such as "homeless individuals or families," which refers to those lacking a fixed and adequate nighttime residence, and "hotel" or "motel," defined as establishments providing temporary lodging for transient patrons. The new legal language is inserted into three separate chapters of the West Virginia Code, specifically Chapter 7 (County Commissions and Officers), Chapter 8 (Municipal Corporations), and Chapter 16 (Public Health), ensuring a comprehensive approach to the regulation of hotel and motel participation in housing voucher programs across different levels of government.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-28-1, 8-40-1, 16-15-26
Committee Substitute: 7-28-1, 8-40-1, 16-15-26
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 7-28-1, 8-40-1, 16-15-26