SB 846 Summary

• Prohibits lodging providers from charging excessively increased prices (more than 10% above pre-emergency rates) during declared states of emergency, with exceptions for documented cost increases or seasonal adjustments.

• Defines "state of emergency" to include declarations by the governor, severe weather warnings, terrorism alerts, and public emergencies declared by federal agencies.

• Establishes civil remedies including class actions for actual damages or $100 minimum, civil fines up to $10,000 per violation for individuals and $1,000,000 for other entities, and criminal penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment or fines for intentional violations.

• Restricts rental price increases to 10% for existing tenants during emergency and 30 days after termination, and prohibits eviction-and-re-rent schemes at higher prices during this period.

• Grants the attorney general authority to investigate violations through written demands for testimony and documents, and allows courts to order compliance with investigative demands.