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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Rick Ryan, D-Evergreen Park, 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.

“Companies have taken advantage of consumers for far too long,” Ryan said. “The hidden fees on purchased products and services that people buy often lead to them spending way more than they initially intend, which obviously makes saving money or even affording certain purchases that much harder. We have to put a stop to that.”

The Ryan-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 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.