The American Hospitality Standards Act

 In the United States, hotel and motel regulations are primarily handled at the state and local level, with limited federal oversight. This means there's no single, nationwide set of regulations that directly address the issues in your proposed bill. Here's a breakdown:

Areas Covered to Some Extent:

• Fire Safety: Most states have fire safety codes that apply to hotels and motels, outlining requirements for fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and fire escapes.
• Building Codes: Building codes generally address structural integrity, electrical safety, and plumbing standards, which indirectly impact guest safety and comfort.
• Water Quality: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets national drinking water standards, but enforcement is delegated to states.

Areas Not Covered by Existing Regulations:

• Mattress Replacement: There are currently no federal or widespread state regulations mandating mattress replacement schedules in hotels or motels.
• Carpet Cleaning: Similar to mattresses, there are no federal or common state regulations requiring specific carpet cleaning frequency in hotels.
• Painting: Painting schedules are not typically dictated by regulations, though building codes might address lead paint concerns in older structures.

Additional Considerations:

• Public Health Inspections: Local health departments often conduct inspections of hotels and motels to ensure basic cleanliness and sanitation standards are met. These inspections might address issues like pest control and proper waste disposal.
• False Advertising Laws: Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulations prohibit deceptive advertising practices. This could be relevant if a hotel misrepresents the quality of its amenities.

The American Hospitality Standards Act

A Bill to Establish Minimum Quality Standards for Motels and Hotels in the United States

Preamble:

The hospitality industry plays a vital role in the United States economy, serving millions of travelers each year. This bill aims to ensure a safe, comfortable, and transparent lodging experience for all guests by establishing minimum quality standards for hotels and motels across the nation.

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "American Hospitality Standards Act."

Section 2: Findings

Congress finds that:

(1) Uniform quality standards are necessary to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of travelers using hotels and motels in the United States. (2) Inconsistent standards across the industry can lead to negative consumer experiences. (3) Transparent information about hotel and motel quality is essential for informed consumer decision-making.

Section 3: Definitions

For purposes of this Act:

(1) "Hotel" and "Motel" mean any establishment offering transient lodging accommodations to guests for compensation. (2) "Secretary" means the Secretary of [Department to be assigned, e.g., Commerce, Transportation].

Section 4: Minimum Quality Standards

(a) General Requirements: All hotels and motels operating in the United States shall comply with the following minimum quality standards:

(i) Mattress Replacement: Mattresses in guest rooms shall be replaced at least every five (5) years. (ii) Linens and Bedding: Linens and bedding shall be of good quality and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. (iii) Carpeting: All carpeting in guest rooms shall be professionally steam-cleaned at least once every twelve (12) months. (iv) Painting: Walls and ceilings in guest rooms shall be repainted at least once every five (5) years, or more frequently as needed to maintain a clean and sanitary appearance. (v) Plumbing and Electrical Systems: All plumbing and electrical systems in guest rooms and common areas shall be maintained in good working order and free from safety hazards. (vi) Water Quality: Hotels and motels shall ensure a safe and reliable supply of clean drinking water for guests.

(b) The Secretary may, by regulation, establish additional minimum quality standards as deemed necessary to promote the health, safety, and comfort of hotel and motel guests.

Section 5: Enforcement

(a) National Oversight: The Secretary shall establish a national oversight program to ensure compliance with this Act. This program may include:

(i) Developing guidelines for state inspections. (ii) Providing technical assistance to states for implementing this Act. (iii) Conducting periodic federal inspections of hotels and motels.

(b) State Inspections: States may develop and enforce their own hotel and motel quality standards, provided such standards are at least as stringent as those established under this Act.

(c) Penalties: The Secretary may impose civil penalties on hotels and motels for non-compliance with this Act.

Section 6: Transparency in Hotel Ratings

Hotel rating systems shall be required to disclose a hotel or motel's compliance with the minimum quality standards established under this Act.

Section 7: Authorization of Appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Section 8: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect one year after the date of its enactment.

Please note: This is a sample bill and may require further modifications depending on specific policy goals and chosen enforcement mechanisms.