AB 3235

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law regulates advertising, including motel and motor court rate signs. Existing law specifies that a person who violates those provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor. 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 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, beginning on July 1, 2024, prohibit a place of short-term lodging, as defined, or an internet or mobile website, application, or other similar centralized online platform, as specified, from advertising a room rate, if specific travel dates are selected, that does not include all required fees for the booking, lodging, or any other fee required to stay at the place of short-term lodging, as specified. The bill would make an entity that knowingly violates this provision subject to a civil penalty not exceeding $10,000 and would specify that an action to enforce this provision may be brought by a city attorney, district attorney, or the Attorney General. Because the bill would create a new crime, the bill 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.