H-0212.1

HOUSE BILL 1080

ByRepresentatives Donaghy and Ryu

AN ACT Relating to fee disclosure for lodging accommodations; adding a new section to chapter 19.48 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 64.37 RCW; prescribing penalties; providing an effective date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 19.48 RCW to read as follows:

(1) All fees or charges required to stay at a hotel must be disclosed in the advertised, displayed, or offered room rate, except for taxes and fees imposed by a government.

(2) A hotel shall include in the total price to be paid, before the consumer reserves the stay, all taxes and fees imposed by a government.

(3) This section applies to any advertising, display, or offer that is before the public in this state, or from this state before the public in any state.

(4)(a) A person that knew or should have known that he or she has advertised, displayed, or offered a room rate in violation of this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for each violation.

(b) An action to enforce this section may be brought by a city attorney, county prosecuting attorney, or the attorney general.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 64.37 RCW to read as follows:

(1) All fees or charges required to stay at a short-term rental must be disclosed in the advertised, displayed, or offered rate, except for taxes and fees imposed by a government.

(2) Before a guest reserves a stay at a short-term rental, all taxes and fees imposed by a government must be included in the total price to be paid.

(3) This section applies to any advertising, display, or offer that is before the public in this state, or from this state before the public in any state.

(4)(a) A person that knew or should have known that he or she has advertised, displayed, or offered a room rate in violation of this section is subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 for each violation.

(b) An action to enforce this section may be brought by a city attorney, county prosecuting attorney, or the attorney general.

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