Us Congress Senate Bill SB314

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/29/25
• Report Pass: 2/5/25

Caption

Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025

Impact

If enacted, SB314 would significantly impact state laws concerning consumer protection and advertising. It effectively preempts any local or state regulations that might conflict with its provisions, thereby standardizing requirements for how hotels and short-term rentals advertise prices across the United States. The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for enforcement, giving it the jurisdiction to regulate and oversee compliance with these new advertising rules, which aims to enhance consumer awareness and protect against deceptive pricing practices.

Summary

SB314, also known as the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, seeks to tackle unfair and deceptive practices related to the advertising of prices for hotel rooms and short-term rentals. The Bill mandates that any marketing or advertising by covered entities must clearly display the total price of services being offered. This includes the requirement to provide a breakdown of any additional taxes or fees associated with the total price, ensuring that consumers are not misled about the actual cost of their accommodations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB314 appears to be generally positive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers committed to transparency in pricing. Proponents of the bill argue that it will empower consumers and foster fair competition within the hospitality industry. However, there are concerns from some industry stakeholders who fear that the regulations may impose a heavy compliance burden and could stifle marketing flexibility. Overall, the discussion reflects a balance between consumer protection and industry freedom.

Contention

A notable point of contention in discussions about SB314 revolves around the degree to which the bill preempts state laws or regulations that aim to protect consumers. Some critics argue that this federal legislation may undermine local efforts to address hotel pricing practices, which could vary by community needs. Furthermore, the detailed compliance requirements may lead to increased operational costs for smaller hotels and short-term rental operators, potentially leading to pushback from the hospitality sector.