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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, 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.

“Working families shouldn’t be blindsided by hidden fees that drive up the cost of everyday purchases and cost consumers thousands of dollars each year,” said Jiménez. “This bill creates transparency and accountability by requiring businesses to clearly disclose all mandatory fees upfront. In Illinois, we are empowering consumers to make informed decisions, putting an end to deceptive pricing practices and enforcing businesses to not continue to take advantage of people through ‘convenience’ or ‘processing’ fees.”

The Jiménez-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.