SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino is advancing legislation to address ‘junk’ fees as a part of a broader effort to ease the financial burden on Illinois families amid the national affordability crisis.
“Junk fees are a deceptive practice that quietly drain thousands of dollars from Illinois families each year,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Requiring businesses to disclose the full price of a good or service upfront isn’t unreasonable – it is a basic standard for transparency and honesty that consumers in Illinois deserve.”
House Bill 228 would make it unlawful for any business to advertise, display or offer a price for a good or service that does not include all mandatory fees or surcharges before taxes.
According to a Consumer Reports analysis, junk fees cost an average family of four close to $3,200 each year.
“At a time when families are struggling to afford basic necessities, especially with federal funding cuts threatening vital programs like SNAP and Medicaid, Illinois must act to protect consumers and promote fair business practices,” said Aquino. “Families are paying more at the pump and the price of everyday goods continues to go up. We must focus on affordability measures that allow families to make confident financial decisions, and this bill puts money back into the pockets of working families, where it belongs.”
House Bill 228 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
