MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Judiciary B

By: Representative Fleming

House Bill 143

(As Passed the House)

AN ACT TO PROHIBIT THE RENTAL OF HOTEL OR MOTEL ROOMS FOR ILLEGAL OR ILLICIT ACTIVITIES; TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

     SECTION 1.  (1)  It shall be unlawful to rent a hotel or motel room on an hour to hour basis except for conference rooms, meeting rooms or reception rooms.

     (2)  Any person or entity that commits a first violation of the provisions of this section upon conviction shall be fined One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than one (1) year, or both.  For a second or subsequent offense, upon conviction such person or entity shall be fined Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or imprisoned for not more than three (3) years, or both.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2005.