Connecticut Senate Bill SB00518

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/27/21
• Refer: 1/27/21

Caption

An Act Prohibiting The Offering Of Sleeping Accommodations At Hotels, Motels Or Similar Lodgings At An Hourly Rate And Requiring That Users Of Such Places Of Public Accommodation Provide The Operator With Positive Proof Of Identification.

Impact

If enacted, the bill will modify existing statutes related to the operation of transient lodging facilities, asserting a stronger regulatory framework that promotes public safety and enhances law enforcement's effectiveness in tackling issues of trafficking. By requiring stricter identification checks, operators will be better positioned to identify suspicious activities and report them to authorities, theoretically leading to improved tracking of sex trafficking cases.

Summary

SB00518 proposes crucial changes to the regulations surrounding the operation of hotels, motels, and similar lodging establishments in the state. The bill seeks to prohibit the offering of sleeping accommodations on an hourly basis and mandates that all guests provide positive proof of identification upon check-in. This legislation is primarily aimed at combating human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, by making it more difficult for traffickers to exploit vulnerable individuals through transient accommodations that a less stringent hourly rate system would allow.

Contention

Despite its noble intentions, SB00518 may face opposition from hospitality industry stakeholders who could argue that the prohibition of hourly rates could adversely affect business operations, especially for legitimate clients seeking flexible accommodation. Additionally, opponents may express concerns about the practicality of enforcing the identification requirement, especially in a tourist-heavy state where anonymity may be part of the appeal for short stays. Some may believe such measures could inadvertently deter legitimate guests while failing to adequately address the root causes of human trafficking.