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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Mike Kelly, D-Chicago, 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.

“Hidden fees have caused the prices of goods and services to skyrocket,” Kelly said. “We’ve seen it affect so many products, and we have to put a stop to it. It’s not fair to consumers that they are essentially being pulled into a deceptive buy and sell exchange where they have to spend more than what they thought they were going to pay.”

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