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Bills to Increase Transparency Will Now Go to the Governor’s Desk
RICHMOND, Va. — House and Senate bills to ban hidden fees have now passed both chambers of the General Assembly for the first time ever. HB2515, patroned by Delegate Adele McClure (D-Arlington), passed the Senate by a bipartisan 25 to 15 vote today, having previously passed the House by a 51 to 47 vote. SB1212, patroned by Senator Stella Pekarsky (D-Fairfax), as amended, passed the Senate again on Friday by a 36 to 0 vote after passing the House by a 50 to 47 vote on February 12. The bills will now go to Governor Youngkin for his consideration.
The legislation would help Virginians keep more of what they earn by requiring all mandatory fees in a purchase to be disclosed upfront, ensuring consumers know the total cost of a good or service before checking out and promoting truth in pricing.
“This legislation directly supports Virginia’s families, and I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the General Assembly to pass these substantive bills,” said Delegate McClure. “My bill regarding junk fees is simple, because it’s all about fairness. Virginians deserve to know the total cost of their rent, a plane ticket, a hotel, or their monthly bills without being blindsided by hidden fees. This bill will help protect working families trying to get ahead while holding big corporations accountable for shady practices. This bill is also about addressing bad actors who undercut transparent businesses that are doing the right thing. These are common-sense solutions on behalf of so many Virginians, and I hope the governor shares our passion for fairness once these bills reach his desk.”
“I’m grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly for demonstrating their commitment to pricing transparency in business transactions and passing these bills,” said Senator Pekarsky. “The practice of charging hidden fees harms Virginia consumers, small businesses, and the tenets of a free and fair market. This bill ensures truth and fairness from big corporations and will level the playing field for small businesses that already advertise their total prices upfront. We must insist that Virginians have the entire price of goods and services before they spend their hard-earned money. I hope the governor stands with small businesses and consumers and signs these bills into law.”
Consumers feel the impact of hidden fees across the economy; on average, families lose $3,200 a year to hidden fees on purchases. Voters overwhelmingly support legislation to ban junk fees, with support from 77% of voters — including 81% of Democrats, 78% of Independents, and 72% of Republicans.
“We’re glad to see this strong consumer protection legislation pass with bipartisan support through the General Assembly,” said Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks. “This legislation will ensure Virginians can keep more of their hard-earned money out of the pockets of big corporations. The predatory practice of charging hidden fees hurts consumers in all areas of the economy. We hope Governor Youngkin will stand up for consumers and sign this crucial legislation.”
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