Indiana Considers Prohibiting Cities From Banning Airbnb (usnews.com)

"Indiana's cities and towns wouldn't be allowed to put their own restrictions on companies such as Airbnb under a proposal state lawmakers are considering," reports the Associated Press. Slashdot reader El Cubano writes: The proposed legislation would prohibit local government in the state from banning Airbnb rentals by their residents. There are exceptions for home owner associations (which will still be allowed to ban rentals in their communities) and 180-day per year cap.

It is interesting to see something like this being considered at the state level. Supporters say that they are trying to prevent knee-jerk regulations and to protect an innovative emerging market. At the same time, local authorities are upset that they will no longer have the option to make the determination for themselves.
The bill has already been approved by the Indiana House, as well as a key committee in the Indiana Senate.

Comments

Re: I am curious if people think this is good or b

[drinkypoo]

So it's cool with you if a localized government wants to ban people with penises from going into women's restrooms, because they should be able to decide what they allow or forbid?

What we're talking about here is protecting people, right? Your example is not of a valid concern; if you wanted to protect people from errant penises in restrooms it would make more sense to ban republican congressmen from men's rooms with multiple occupancy. But it is a valid concern that workers won't be able to find housing, and this will do actual harm to local economies. If AirBnB is like every other corporation and therefore can't manage to exercise conscientious restraint then it's reasonable to limit their activities with regulation.