SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5624

                    As of February 16, 1995

Title:  An act relating to liability for cleanup and repair of damaged lodging or accommodation premises.

Brief Description:  Placing liability on parents of unemancipated minors who damage lodging or accommodation premises.

Sponsors:  Senators Smith, Haugen, Oke, Drew, Rasmussen and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/23/95

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

Background:  The parent or legal guardian of an unemancipated minor who receives food, credit, lodging, or accommodation at any hotel, motel, or boarding house and then leaves without paying the proprietor or manager is liable for the retail value of such goods or services, not to exceed $500.  In addition, the parent or legal guardian can be required to pay an additional penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $200, plus reasonable attorney's fees and costs expended by the owner or seller. 

Current law holds parents liable for up to $5,000 when the minor child, who is living with the parents, willfully or maliciously destroys property or willfully and maliciously inflicts personal injury on another person.

Summary of Bill:  The parents or legal guardian of an unemancipated minor are liable for any damages caused by the minor when the minor receives a lodging or accommodation or uses the facilities at a hotel, motel, boarding house, or lodging house.  Liability encompasses the costs of cleanup and repair of the premises.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.