Vella-Backed Affordability Bill Cracking Down on ‘Junk Fees’ Moves to House Floor

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, is cracking down on junk fees that cost consumers an estimated $3,000 every year, with a new measure that holds businesses accountable for charges added on top of advertised purchase prices.

“At a time when every dollar matters, unexpected fees can really add up. This bill helps protect consumers from unnecessary and misleading charges,” said Vella. “This is about transparency, plain and simple. Consumers deserve to see the full price before they make a decision, not after.”

Vella-backed House Bill 228 would require businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges they are adding on top of a purchase price. The bill also gives the Office of the Attorney General 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, while advertising a lower price.

The bill was passed out of the House Consumer Protection Committee and now moves to consideration on the House floor.