As per a report, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper announced Friday that he had allowed two bills passed by the General Assembly to become law without his signature.
While the bill garnered broad legislative support, Cooper expressed reservations about its potential to legalize unfair treatment for those seeking protection in temporary shelters, including hotels.
SB 53 aims to clarify the legal status of occupants in various accommodations, ensuring that the same laws apply to both permanent and temporary residents of hotels, motels, and similar lodgings.
This legislation could have a direct impact on private campground owners and RV park operators in North Carolina, as it encompasses these types of accommodations under the same statutes governing inns, hotels, and other transient occupancies.
The bill’s passage comes in response to the growing issue of affordable housing in North Carolina. A 2021 study revealed a statewide shortfall of nearly 200,000 affordable housing units, leading many residents to alternative accommodations such as RV parks and campgrounds for long-term residence.
The new law has several implications for private campground owners and RV park operators in North Carolina.
It will ensure that they are held to the same legal standards as other state lodging providers, offering residents and operators clearer guidelines on their rights and responsibilities.
The law also aims to create a more equitable environment for all parties involved in the provision of temporary and long-term accommodations.
Despite the potential positive modifications to the bill being discussed by legislators, Gov. Cooper remains concerned about the implications for vulnerable populations.
For private campground owners and RV park operators in North Carolina, the new law brings both opportunities and challenges. By extending the same legal protections to permanent and temporary residents, the legislation may encourage more people to choose campgrounds and RV parks as long-term housing options. However, the law also places additional responsibilities on these businesses, as they will now be subject to the same regulations as hotels and motels.
In light of the housing crisis and the new legislation, private campground owners and RV park operators may need to reevaluate their business models and explore ways to accommodate the growing demand for affordable, long-term housing in North Carolina. Some businesses may need to make adjustments to their operations, such as modifying rental agreements and ensuring compliance with updated regulations.
The act is slated to take effect once it becomes law and will apply to those renting accommodations in lodging facilities, including inns, hotels, motels, recreational vehicle parks, campgrounds, or similar establishments on or after that date.
The rental period will be calculated from the first day of consecutive occupation or the right of occupation in the lodging facility, regardless of whether the period began before the legislation’s effective date.
The contentious debate over SB 53 in North Carolina reflects varied views on resident protection. Private campground owners and RV park operators must adapt to ensure compliance and resident well-being.