HB945 Summary

• Requires hotels to notify third-party vendors, prospective guests, and current guests of any service disruption or potential service disruption before accepting new reservations and upon discovering disruptions after check-in.

• Prohibits hotels from charging fees, penalties, or retaining deposits if guests cancel reservations before check-in due to a service disruption, unless the hotel provided prior notification of the disruption.

• Allows guests to terminate reservations without penalty regardless of notification if a service disruption occurs after check-in.

• Defines "service disruption" to include construction noise, pest infestations not treated within 24 hours, unavailable amenities or room features for 48+ hours, utility outages for 24+ hours, strikes or lockouts, and lawful picketing or demonstrations that create noise.

• Provides remedies for violations including treble damages (three times the amount charged or fees retained), minimum $1,000 damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief available to injured parties.