Delegation holds HOCO 16‑25 after questions about constitutional authority and impacts on vulnerable hotel residents

Howard County delegates postponed action on HOCO 16‑25 after discussion about constitutional authority and potential social impacts. The bill, as amended by the Senate delegation, would prohibit an innkeeper or lodging establishment employee from offering a room for less than a full one‑night rate; the amended draft defines a full one‑night rate as a minimum fee for use of a room for no fewer than 12 consecutive hours.

County staff warned of a potential home‑rule constitutional issue: a General Assembly act that effectively regulates a single charter county’s police powers may raise Article 6A, Section 4 concerns unless the law applies to more than one county or otherwise avoids preemption/home‑rule conflicts. Staff advised that amending the bill to include an additional county (for example, Anne Arundel) or making the change statewide could address that technical constitutional concern; senators present said the Senate delegation planned to add Anne Arundel County on the Senate side.

Delegates also raised policy questions. One delegate said the proposal emerged from a community association meeting and was intended in part to address concerns about prostitution and human trafficking. Others asked about effects on people who are unhoused and families living in motels who sometimes rely on hourly or short‑term room options. County staff said they were not aware of lodging establishments that currently offer hourly rates but could not confirm the practice was absent.

Because of the constitutional and social‑impact questions, the delegation agreed to hold the bill for additional consultation with county staff, the senate delegation and, as appropriate, Anne Arundel County. No roll‑call vote approving the bill was recorded at the meeting.