This bill amends 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 requiring hotels or motels to participate in such programs that utilize unoccupied guest rooms for housing purposes. The bill defines "homeless individuals or families" and clarifies what constitutes a "hotel" or "motel" for the purposes of these regulations.

The new legal language inserted into the code includes provisions that explicitly state the prohibitions against mandatory participation in housing voucher programs for hotels and motels, ensuring that these establishments cannot be compelled to provide accommodations for homeless individuals through such programs. The definitions provided in the bill aim to create a clear understanding of the terms used, thereby facilitating the implementation of these regulations. Overall, the bill seeks to protect the rights of hotel and motel owners while addressing the needs of homeless individuals and families in West Virginia.

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