Ryan 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. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, is fighting for, would crack down on last-minute mandatory fees and bait-and-switch tactics that jack up prices without warning.

“The surprise ‘service fees’ and other miscellaneous charges that some businesses are slapping on purchases without warning are a bait-and-switch tactic that has to stop,” Ryan said. “I’m committed to making our neighborhood a better place to live, and people in our community shouldn’t be going to the store worried that a seemingly inexpensive purchase is going to jump up 50% right before they pay.”

Ryan is continuing his fight against high costs and deceptive business practices with his 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.

“I’m putting my support behind the Junk Fee Ban Act because consumers’ basic rights are being attacked,” Ryan said. “They deserve better than someone trying to surprise them into purchasing beyond their means.”