Springfield, IL (WAND) – A bill banning junk fees and creating price transparency for Illinois consumers has arrived on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk.
The plan makes it unlawful for any business to advertise, display, or offer a price for products or services that does not include all mandatory fees or surcharges before taxes.
Sponsors said junk fees cost an average family of four $3,200 annually.
“Whether it’s the unexpected add-on charges when booking a hotel room or house rental, purchasing tickets online, or ordering food delivery, you have already paid hidden fees,” said Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Highland Park). “You’ve already paid junk fees.”
Pritzker celebrated the bill’s passage in May, noting Illinois consumers have been nickel-and-dimed out of thousands of dollars per year by unnecessary and deceptive junk fees. The governor said he is proud lawmakers passed the Junk Fee Ban Act to put money back in the pockets of families and establish fair, honest pricing.
House Bill 228 passed out of the Senate on a 46-12 vote. The legislation previously received a 77-18 vote in the House.
“We did make changes to this bill a significant number of times trying to balance out and make sure we have practices in this state that are fair and transparent,” Aquino said. “So when people are making really important decisions on how to spend their money, it is done in a way that is informed. They know what they’re paying for.”
