Springfield, IL – In a continued effort to combat rising costs, strengthen consumer protections, and promote transparency for shoppers across Illinois, House Bill 228, also known as the ‘Junk Fee Ban Act’, has successfully passed the Illinois House of Representatives with the full support of Governor J.B. Pritzker and Speaker Chris “Emmanuel” Welch, who serves as a Chief Co-Sponsor of the bill.
“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 State Representative 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.”
In support of the initiative, Governor JB Pritzker shared that “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. 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.”
“Right now, families and seniors on fixed incomes are being hit at every turn by Donald Trump’s tariffs, by rising gas prices and disruption to our supply chain, and by pure corporate greed and opportunism. And while no state can singlehandedly reverse all of Donald Trump’s failed policies or set prices at the store, we can take charge of what we can control to provide people with some relief right now,” said House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch. “Helping people make fully informed purchasing decisions and cracking down on the hidden fees that simply pad profits is a critical part of that effort.”
First introduced in the 103rd General Assembly, the legislation requires businesses to clearly advertise the full price of goods and services upfront, eliminating hidden “junk fees” that are often only disclosed at checkout. These charges, commonly labeled as service, processing, or convenience fees, mislead consumers, distort the marketplace, and place transparent businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
Junk fees have become a widespread and costly burden on Illinois families. Nationally, the average household pays an estimated $3,000 more per year due to hidden or misleading charges, with some studies showing consumers pay up to 20% more than the advertised price once fees are included. These practices not only erode consumer trust but also make it harder for families to budget and make informed purchasing decisions, especially at a time of persistent inflation.
Beyond their financial impact, junk fees disproportionately affect lower-income households, non-English proficient consumers, and communities of color, further compounding inequities in access to clear and fair pricing.
The legislation also aims to level the playing field for small and honest businesses. By requiring upfront pricing transparency, HB 228 ensures that companies competing fairly are no longer undercut by deceptive pricing practices, helping to strengthen local economies and support Main Street businesses across Illinois.
With strong bipartisan public support for banning junk fees, Illinois now has the opportunity to lead in establishing a marketplace rooted in transparency, fairness, and consumer protection.
House Bill 228 now advances to the Illinois Senate, where it will be carried by State Senator Omar Aquino.