MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Judiciary A

By: Representative Yancey

House Bill 1157

AN ACT TO REQUIRE PERSONS OR ENTITIES ENGAGED IN THE RENTAL OF MOTOR VEHICLES TO DISCLOSE THE TOTAL CHARGES FOR THE ENTIRE RENTAL, INCLUDING ALL ADDITIONAL MANDATORY CHARGES; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  (1)  If a person or entity engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles under rental agreements imposes additional mandatory charges, the person or entity shall:

          (a)  Provide a good-faith estimate of the total charges for the entire rental, including all additional mandatory charges, whenever a quote is provided to a potential customer.  The good-faith estimate may exclude mileage charges and charges for optional items that cannot be determined prior to completing a rental reservation based on the information provided by the potential customer; and

          (b)  Disclose the total charges for the entire rental, including all additional mandatory charges, in the rental contract

provided to the renter.  Total charges for the entire rental do not include any charges that cannot be determined at the time the rental commences.

     (2)  As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings as defined in this subsection, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

          (a)  "Additional mandatory charge" means any separately stated charges that a renter is required to pay that specifically relate to the operation of a rental vehicle.  This term includes, but is not limited to, a customer facility charge, airport concession recovery fee, vehicle license recovery fee and any government imposed taxes or fees.

          (b)  "Quote" means an estimated cost of rental provided to a potential customer based on information provided by the customer, including potential dates of rental, location, or class of vehicle.

          (c)  "Vehicle license recovery fee" means a fee to recover costs to title, register, plate, or inspect a rental

vehicle that are incurred by a person or entity engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles under rental agreements.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2023.