Bill > A05185

This bill addresses issues with prepaid hotel reservations by establishing new rules for hotels, motels, and lodging establishments in New York. Under the proposed legislation, these establishments would be prohibited from reselling a prepaid room to another guest if the original guest fails to check in on the first night of their reservation. For reservations of seven days or longer, the prohibition extends to failure to check in during the first, second, or third night. The bill requires guests who will be checking in late to provide notice to the establishment by phone or email; otherwise, the hotel can cancel the reservation after 24 hours. Furthermore, the legislation prevents these establishments from including contract provisions that allow them to cancel a fully prepaid reservation, charge cancellation fees, or rent out the room to another person. Any violation of these rules would result in the establishment being responsible for actual damages or a fine of $500, whichever is greater, with the right to appeal the violation in court. The division of consumer protection will be responsible for establishing detailed regulations and guidelines for implementing the act, which will apply to all hotels, motels, and lodging establishments in New York State and take effect immediately.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5185