Illinois House Passes Junk Fee Ban, Sending Bill to Senate for Second Time

**TL;DR:** Illinois lawmakers approved a bill banning hidden fees on tickets, hotel stays and other purchases, sending the legislation to the Senate for the second time in three years.

**Context:** Consumers across Illinois have faced increasing frustration with unexpected charges added at checkout. Ticket prices that appear affordable suddenly climb with service fees. Hotel rates listed online frequently exclude resort fees and destination charges. These hidden costs, often called junk fees, have drawn scrutiny from state legislators seeking greater price transparency.

**Key Facts:** The Illinois House passed the junk fee ban with a 77-18 vote Thursday. The legislation prohibits businesses from adding undisclosed fees to the final price of tickets, hotel stays and other purchases. Rep. Bob Morgan, who sponsored the bill, said it delivers on a simple promise: the price consumers see should be the price they pay.

This marks the second time the House has approved the measure. The bill passed in 2024 but never received a Senate vote, dying in that chamber without action. Lawmakers revived the proposal this session, expanding the consumer protection package to include requirements for cash payments at retail stores and expanded eligibility for in-state college tuition.

**What It Means:** If the Senate approves the junk fee ban, Illinois would join a growing number of states cracking down on hidden fees. Businesses would need to display the total price upfront, eliminating surprise charges at the point of sale. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it faces a different political landscape than in 2024. Watch for whether the upper chamber takes up the measure before the session ends.