Hotel policies; denial of guests residing within certain distance prohibited in certain instances.

This legislation restricts hotels in Arlington and across Virginia from refusing to rent rooms to prospective guests solely because they live within a certain distance of the property. The bill aims to combat discriminatory practices where local individuals, including those experiencing temporary housing instability or domestic emergencies, are turned away despite having the funds to pay. By prohibiting these restrictive residency policies, the law ensures that hotels remain accessible to all paying customers regardless of their local address. Supporters argue this will provide a vital safety net for residents in crisis, while industry critics suggest it may limit a business's ability to manage local liability or noise concerns. Ultimately, the measure seeks to guarantee equitable access to public accommodations for every member of the community.