Texas House Bill HB468

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

• Filed: 11/29/16

Caption

Relating to a restriction on certain accommodations in accessible hotel and motel guest rooms; providing a civil penalty.

Impact

The bill proposes civil penalties for violations of these newly established standards. The penalties range depending on the number of violations, with fines starting at $500 for a first-time offense and escalating to $5,000 for subsequent violations. Each day a violation continues constitutes a separate offense, thus significantly increasing potential liabilities for hotel and motel owners who fail to comply. The legislation aims to improve accessibility in hospitality services throughout Texas, responding to a pressing need for compliance with federal accessibility standards.

Summary

House Bill 468 seeks to establish specific regulations regarding accommodations in accessible hotel and motel guest rooms in Texas. This legislation amends the Health and Safety Code by adding Chapter 769, which restricts the offerings of rooms designated as accessible according to the standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The bill mandates that for a room to be considered accessible, certain criteria in terms of bed height and clearance under beds must be met, in order to ensure the comfort and functionality for guests with disabilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 468 may arise from the punishments outlined, as some stakeholders could argue that such penalties could disproportionately impact smaller hotels and motels, which might otherwise strive to meet these regulations but lack the financial resources to cover penalties. Furthermore, discussions may focus on the balance between ensuring accessibility and providing operational flexibility for hotel operators. Advocates for disability rights likely support the need for stringent regulations to enhance accessibility, while some business owners may express concerns about the financial implications of compliance.