Short-term lodging establishment: state of emergency: local emergency: rates.

Existing law regulates advertising, including motel and motor court rate signs. Existing law, upon the proclamation of a state of emergency or the declaration of a local emergency and for a period of 30 days after, prohibits the owner or operator of a hotel or motel from increasing its regular advertised rates by more than 10%, as specified. Existing law makes a violation of this prohibition a misdemeanor. In addition, a violation of the provisions contained in the Penal Code is an unfair business practice and an act of unfair competition. This bill would make these provisions applicable to a short-term lodging establishment, defined as any hotel, motel, bed and breakfast inn, or other similar lodging establishment. Because the bill would expand the definition of a crime, it would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.