Prohibits a third-party reservation service platform provider from engaging in certain activities. (BDR 52-627)
Summary
SB169 creates a new consumer-protection rule for third-party reservation service platforms, such as websites, apps, or online services that list or sell reservations, appointments, or bookings for businesses they do not own. Under the bill, a platform provider may not list, advertise, promote, or sell a reservation for an establishment unless it has a written agreement with that establishment or its designee expressly authorizing those activities. The bill defines “establishment” broadly to include public or private businesses or entities that rely on scheduled reservations, appointments, or bookings to provide goods or services.
The bill also carves out an exception for certain free, customer-requested arrangements that are personal and nontransferable, so long as the arranger shares customer contact information, allows the establishment to confirm the booking, and honors opt-out requests from the establishment. In addition, the bill excludes document preparation services from its coverage. Violations are treated as deceptive trade practices under Nevada law, and each day of noncompliance is a separate violation.
Impact
SB169 amends Nevada’s deceptive trade practices statutes in Chapter 598 of NRS by adding a new prohibition specific to third-party reservation service platforms and by tying violations to existing civil enforcement remedies. It also clarifies that violators of the new section are not subject to the criminal penalties otherwise available for certain deceptive trade practices under NRS 598.0999, leaving civil penalties, injunctions, attorney’s fees, and related remedies in place. The bill therefore affects online reservation intermediaries, businesses that depend on reservations or appointments, and state enforcement officials responsible for consumer protection.
Sentiment
The available voting history shows strong bipartisan support and no recorded opposition: the Senate passed the bill 21-0 and the Assembly passed it 42-0. That vote pattern suggests the measure was viewed favorably as a targeted consumer and business-practice regulation. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate in the supplied materials to indicate dissent or reservations.
Contention
The main policy issue underlying SB169 is control over who may market and sell reservations for a business. Supporters likely view the bill as preventing unauthorized resale or listing of appointments and protecting businesses from misleading or unwanted third-party booking activity. Potential points of contention include whether the written-agreement requirement could limit legitimate booking services, how broadly “establishment” is defined, and whether the exception for free customer-requested arrangements is sufficiently clear. The bill’s explicit removal of criminal penalties for this conduct may also reflect a compromise between enforcement and overcriminalization concerns.
Prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platform order interfaces, and would prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services.
Prohibits unauthorized placement of merchants on advertising platform order interfaces, and would prohibit third-party restaurant reservation services.
Establishes Office of Financial Assistance in EDA to help eligible entities access opportunities for public financial assistance; requires office to develop common application platform.
Establishes Office of Financial Assistance in EDA to help businesses and non-profit organizations access opportunities for public financial assistance; requires office to develop common application platform.