Extends the current provisions relative to certain rights of innkeepers and eliminates the sunsetting of such sections thereby preserving the law as it currently exists.
Impact
The bill is expected to permanently establish certain rights for innkeepers while eliminating previous provisions that may have limited the scope of their authority in handling disruptive guests. As such, this legislation aims to preserve existing rights of hotel operators and enhance their capacity to manage guests who engage in threatening or illegal behaviors. With the proposed changes taking effect on July 1, 2024, the hotel industry will need to adapt quickly to the updated legal landscape regarding guest relations and incident management.
Summary
Bill S2271 is proposed legislation in Rhode Island that modifies existing laws related to the rights of innkeepers in the hotel industry. Primarily, it extends provisions governing innkeeper's rights to eject guests who violate hotel regulations or laws. The bill aims to ensure that innkeepers have the authority to maintain a safe and orderly environment on hotel premises, allowing them to refuse or remove guests based on specific criteria that include intoxication, property damage, or unlawful activities. The law also stipulates that innkeepers must refund any unused portion of an advance payment if a guest is ejected for valid reasons.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill S2271 appears to be supportive among stakeholders in the hospitality sector. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary measure to protect both hotel staff and other guests, encouraging a safer environment. However, some concerns have been raised regarding potential misuse of the ejection criteria, particularly about discrimination or overly broad interpretations of what constitutes a disruptive guest, hence leading to ethical considerations about guest treatment in hotels.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential for the bill's provisions to be used discriminatorily against certain groups of guests based on subjective interpretations of behavior. Critics argue that while ensuring safety is crucial, there should be safeguards to protect against arbitrary or unjust ejections. The elimination of the sunsetting provisions also generates debate about whether such extended powers for innkeepers will lead to a reduction in guest rights and protections in the hospitality sector.
Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor
Authorizing The Town Of North Smithfield To Finance The Development And Construction Of A New Police Station Or The Renovation, Improvement, Alteration And Repair Of An Existing Building To Be Used As A Police Station, As Determined By The Town Council And The Furnishing And Equipping Thereof By The Issue Of Not More Than $18,000,000 Of Bonds And/or Notes Therefor
An Act to Move the Natural Areas Program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and to Amend the Law Governing Administration of the Bureau of Resource Management Within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife