Gordon-Booth Targets Junk Fees, Backs Plan to Prioritize Consumers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, is cracking down on junk fees that cost consumers an estimated $90 billion per year, with a new measure that holds businesses accountable for charges added on top of advertised purchase prices.

“We’ve all had times where we see a good price for something online, and then when we go to pay a number of fees are suddenly tacked on,” Gordon-Booth said. “It’s incredibly frustrating for consumers and can be misleading, which is why I’m supportive of efforts to crack down on this behavior.”

The Gordon-Booth-backed House Bill 4629 would require businesses to clearly and prominently disclose the total price of a good or service when offering, displaying or advertising it – including mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price. The proposal also gives the Attorney General’s office more authority to hold businesses accountable for not disclosing surprise fees — cracking down on these “convenience” or “processing” fees that many businesses use to charge more for everyday retail purchases and services including hotels and rental cars.

The White House’s Council of Economic Advisors estimates that junk fees amount to $90 billion per year in the United States.

“Consumers shouldn’t feel like they’re being taken advantage of,” Gordon-Booth said. “This measure will help to bring needed transparency, and should also help consumers compare prices more easily.”

House Bill 4629 passed the House and is now in the Senate for consideration.

For more information, please contact RepJGordon@gmail.com.