SPRINGFIELD — To support families amid a national affordability crisis, State Senator Michael E. Hastings supported a measure that would ban ‘junk’ fees that trick consumers.
“When you decide to purchase a product, you have made that decision with the displayed price in mind,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Now companies are dinging you at the last moment before checkout with made up fees that increase your checkout price by 20 or 30 percent. No honest business operates like this.”
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.
“This isn’t some back-alley black market,” said Hastings. “If you need to trick your customers to make a profit then it is time to find another line of work.”
House Bill 228 passed both chambers and heads to the governor’s desk for consideration.
