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

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and House Democrats are fighting to crack down on junk fees that cost consumers an estimated $3,000 every year, by advancing a new measure that holds businesses accountable for charges added on top of advertised purchase prices.

“Right now, families and seniors on fixed incomes are being hit at every turn by Donald Trump’s tariffs, by a war that has driven gas prices through the roof and threatens major disruption to our supply chain, and by pure corporate greed and opportunism. And while no state can singlehandedly reverse all of Donald Trump’s failed policies or set prices at the store, we can take charge of what we can control to provide people with some relief right now,” Welch said. “Helping people make fully informed purchasing decisions and cracking down on the hidden fees that simply pad profits is a critical part of that effort.”  

Welch and Rep. Bob Morgan have collaborated to move legislation to the House floor that would require businesses to display all mandatory fees and charges that businesses are adding on top of a listed price. House Bill 228 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 including hotels, rental cars, and other service bills where the true price is only revealed at checkout. 

“At a time when affordability is the top concern affecting Illinois families, the last thing they need is to be misled about the price of their utility bill or the price at the bottom of their receipt after eating at a restaurant,” Morgan said. “This legislation ensures that the price you see is the price you pay. Hidden fees mislead the marketplace, cost families thousands of dollars each year, and make it harder for honest businesses to compete.”

The bill was passed out of the House Consumer Protection Committee and now moves to consideration on the House floor.