By
The Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. - A bill that would let Fairfax County prohibit its residents from sleeping in rooms other than a bedroom has won approval in the state Senate.
Jamming 15 to 20 people into a tiny two-bedroom house diminishes property values, takes up parking spaces and robs neighbors of peace and quiet, said the bill's sponsor, Sen. Leslie L. Byrne, a Democrat who represents parts of Fairfax.
"We are asking that they not use their kitchens as bedrooms," Byrne said. "What they do in their actual bedrooms, I don't care."
The legislation passed Friday by a 20-19 vote, but the bill's detractors demanded it be reconsidered today.
The bill would give county code enforcers new authority to go after people whose homes have been turned into virtual hotels. It would go into effect if the Legislature and governor approve it and the county passes a similar ordinance.
Gerald E. Connolly, a county board of supervisors member, said the legislation made him uncomfortable.
"I have a lot of problems with government telling people where they can or cannot sleep," Connolly said. "As far as I know, this bill was not introduced at the behest of Fairfax County."
Other civic leaders criticized the bill as a misplaced, hostile response to those struggling to pay for shelter. In Fairfax County, the average rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $1,181 per month.
"The last thing we want on the books are laws that seem to be aimed at some of the less advantaged members of our community," said J. Walter Tejada, Virginia director for the League of United Latin American Citizens, a national advocacy group.
Senate opponents noted that the law would prohibit converting a room for use by a family member. And they said the measure would represent an inappropriate, unwanted intrusion of government into private homes.
"What this bill does is make no distinction between 27 illegal aliens and a family of four trying to care for an ailing parent," said Republican William C. Mims. "About 80,000 Fairfax County households would be in violation of this bill."
