HB 139 -- LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS

SPONSOR: Hudson

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass" by the Special Committee on Tourism by a vote of 8 to 0. Voted "Do Pass" by the Standing Committee on Rules- Legislative Oversight by a vote of 9 to 0.

Currently, lodging establishments are not liable for the loss of certain specified items, such as money or jewelry, unless the guest asks that the item be placed in a safe and the lodging establishment refuses or omits to do so. This bill states that the hotel may use a safe or safe deposit boxes located behind the registration desk. The bill also specifies that any lodging establishment that publishes current rates electronically on a public Internet platform does not have to post a written copy of the rates charged for each guest room.

This bill is the same as HB 1421 (2020).

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this is an antiquated law that needs to be updated to current practices, both in posting rates and in new security box systems that hotels are utilizing instead of the old large single safe.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Hudson and Missouri Hotel And Lodging Association.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (0258H.01): 419.020, 419.040
Perfected (0258H.01): 419.020, 419.040


Senate Committee Minutes:
SENATE COMMITTEE MINUTES Bill No.: HB 139
Sponsor: Hudson
Hearing Date: 3/30/2021


COMMITTEE: Small Business and Industry

CHAIRMAN: Burlison

DATE REFERRED: 3/25/2021 DATE HEARING REQUESTED: 3/25/2021



STAFF:
Ryan Clearwater
Rob Krosley
Matthew Smith
Scott Svagera


WITNESSES GIVING INFORMATION:



WITNESSES FOR:
Kathryn Gamble - Missouri Hotel Lodging Association
Richard S. Brownlee - Rochbridge Trout and Game
Arnie C. AC "Honest-Abe"" Dienoff - Self


WITNESSES AGAINST: