50-51-101. (Temporary) Purpose of regulation. It is hereby found and declared that the public welfare requires control and regulation of the operation of establishments providing lodging space accommodations, as defined in 50-51-102 hereof, and the control, inspection, and regulation of persons engaged therein in order to prevent or eliminate unsanitary and unhealthful conditions and practices, which conditions and practices may endanger public health. It is further found and declared that the regulation of establishments providing lodging space accommodations as above outlined is in the interest of social well-being and the health and safety of the state and all of its people.

     50-51-101. (Effective July 1, 1998) Findings and purpose of regulation. (1) It is found that the public welfare requires control and regulation of the operation of establishments providing lodging space accommodations and the control, inspection, and regulation of persons providing accommodations in order to prevent or eliminate unsanitary and unhealthful conditions and practices, which conditions and practices may endanger public health. It is further found that the regulation of establishments providing lodging space accommodations is in the interest of social well-being and the health and safety of the state and all of its people.
     (2) The legislature recognizes that there is a wide disparity in the type of establishments, especially in the size, the time of year at which the establishments operate, and the ability of small establishments with few employees and a limited operating season to conform to the same standards to which larger establishments are required to conform. These factors must be considered, especially in the operation of small or seasonal businesses that are such an important part of Montana's tourism business. For these reasons, the legislature believes that department rules must be tailored to properly and reasonably address differences in the size, location, purpose, and time of year of operation of certain small or seasonal establishments. The legislature believes that rules governing certain small or seasonal establishments must be limited to requirements meant to ensure basic health standards and should not detract from the rustic, out-of-doors experience offered by many guest ranches and outfitter and guide facilities and desired by many tourists.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 18, L. 1967; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 485, L. 1973; R.C.M. 1947, 34-301; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 412, L. 1997.