Canty Fights for ‘Junk Fee Ban Act’ to Protect Consumers from Hidden Fees

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The ‘Junk Fee Ban Act,’ a consumer protection measure state Rep. Mary Beth Canty, D-Arlington Heights, is fighting for, will crack down on last-minute mandatory fees and bait-and-switch tactics that jack up prices without warning.

“At a time in which so many families are dealing with the challenges of high prices, people deserve better than lies and misdirection about how much they’ll have to spend,” Canty said. “I—and many people in my community—have had the unpleasant experience of finding a purchase that seems affordably priced only to have surprise ‘convenience fees’ and ‘service charges’ jump the cost up 30% or 40% more during checkout. This bait-and-switch tactic is designed to lure people into purchasing beyond their means, and it’s hurting Illinois families.”

Canty is continuing her fight against high costs and deceptive business practices with her support of Senate Bill 1486, the Junk Fee Ban Act. This measure prevents businesses from advertising prices for goods or services without including all mandatory fees upfront. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce this requirement under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act. Exceptions are carved out for food service establishments, retail outlets, wireless carriers, insurance corporations and rental companies. The Junk Fee Ban Act has the support of the Illinois State Bar Association, the AARP, the Shriver Center on Poverty Law and numerous consumer’s rights groups.

“The Junk Fee Ban Act is a commonsense step towards clarity and away from confusion,” Canty said. “We are fighting to secure a basic right for all consumers: knowing how much purchases cost upfront. I’m happy to fight for this law so Illinois can progress in a fundamentally better direction.”