In a recent opinion, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's General Counsel confirmed this policy. The opinion stated any establishment not owned by the federal government used for activities funded fully or partially with federal monies must have meeting facilities, rooms and services that meet the fire prevention and control guidelines under the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act. It limits federal government travelers to stays in places of public accommodation that comply with the law. The federal government is also required to only hold meetings in complying facilities. Our General Counsel has made it clear that for colleges and universities this includes any dormitories or other buildings used to house federal attendees at meetings, conferences, or other activities.
Listing is voluntary, but the master list is the source for federal travelers to judge compliance.
Any proposed regulatory changes will be published in the Federal Register for public comment. We look forward to working with college and university administrators on this issue and would be glad to hear from them on its impact.