Legislation Moves Forward as Affordability Remains a Top Concern for Families
Springfield, IL – As Illinois families continue to face rising costs and economic uncertainty, Illinois State Representative Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) has reintroduced legislation aimed at eliminating deceptive “junk fees” – hidden or misleading charges that only appear at the point of sale, mask the true price of goods and services, and disadvantage honest businesses that advertise transparent pricing. The legislation, HB228, would require businesses to clearly disclose the full price of products and services before consumers reach the point of sale.
“At a time when affordability is the top concern affecting Illinois families, the last thing they need is to be misled about the price of their utility bill or the price at the bottom of their receipt after eating at a restaurant,” said Rep. Morgan. “This legislation ensures that the price you see is the price you pay. Hidden fees mislead the marketplace, cost families thousands of dollars each year, and make it harder for honest businesses to compete.”
The legislation would require businesses to advertise the full price of goods and services upfront, prohibiting the addition of mandatory fees that are not clearly disclosed at the time a price is first presented to consumers. By ensuring transparency in pricing, the measure would help consumers better understand the true cost of goods and services before making a purchase.
Junk fees are hidden or misleading charges, often labeled as “service,” “processing,” or “convenience” fees, that only appear at the end of a transaction. These practices obscure the true price of goods and services, making it harder for consumers to comparison shop while disadvantaging honest businesses that advertise transparent pricing. Junk fees often appear when purchasing event tickets, booking hotels, or paying certain service bills, where mandatory fees are only revealed at checkout.
Under the proposal, businesses would be required to include all mandatory fees in the advertised price of a product or service. The legislation would apply to industries where hidden fees are common, including ticketing, hospitality, and certain service transactions, helping ensure consumers know the true cost before completing a purchase.
Advancing the measure in Springfield, working alongside Governor J. B. Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, and State Senator Omar Aquino, HB228 would make it clear what fees and charges businesses must disclose to consumers up front, helping consumers make informed decisions and allowing for a more transparent marketplace.
According to national analyses, junk fees cost the average American family of four approximately $3,000 annually. By requiring transparent pricing, HB228 would help Illinois residents more accurately compare prices and make informed purchasing decisions while keeping more money in their pockets.
“Illinois families are being nickel-and-dimed out of thousands of dollars per year through unfair and hidden junk fees on everything from concert tickets to online purchases,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to be working with the General Assembly on legislation that will finally deliver relief to consumers while promoting affordability and transparency in pricing.”
“The Attorney General’s office has been a vocal advocate for the clear disclosure of an item’s full price before the point of sale because consumers should be able to comparison shop and buy goods and services that best meet their budgetary needs,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “My office is committed to protecting Illinois consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices, which include hidden fees and ‘drip pricing,’ and I appreciate Rep. Morgan’s partnership on this issue.”
“Hidden junk fees cheat working people out of thousands of dollars every year, putting a larger strain on household budgets that are already stretched thin,” said State Senator Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). “Cracking down on this deceptive business practice is necessary to protect consumers and ensure families keep more of their hard-earned dollars, especially as the costs of goods and services continue to skyrocket.”
The passage of HB228 would ensure transparent pricing practices for consumers and support fair and open competition in the marketplace.