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Pictured from left to right: Delegate Alfonso Lopez, Delegate Adele McClure, and Senator Stella Pekarsky
RICHMOND, Va. — Senator Stella Pekarsky (D-Fairfax), Delegate Adele McClure (D-Arlington) and Delegate Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington) rolled out new legislation today that would ban hidden fees on transactions from live-event ticketing to rental agreements, saving Virginians thousands of dollars each year. They were joined at a press conference in Richmond by Virginians impacted by hidden fees and by advocates from Freedom Virginia and the Virginia Poverty Law Center.
The bills, HB2515 and SB1212, will tackle unfair price gouging by requiring all mandatory fees and charges to be clearly included upfront in the advertised and displayed price of any good or service. Hidden fees are surprise, mandatory fees added at checkout that provide no product or service to the consumer.
“At a time when corporate profits have never been higher, some businesses are still trying to deceive Virginians into paying more and getting nothing in return,” said Sen. Pekarksy. “We have to prioritize Virginia consumers over big corporations.”
“So many Virginians are struggling to get by. It’s our duty as legislators to ensure they can get ahead,” said Del. McClure. “I’m excited to reintroduce this bill to fight hidden fees and ensure Virginians can keep more of their hard-earned money.”
“This has happened in the district that I represent in Northern Virginia, where you have to use an online system to pay your monthly rent, but that online system costs $50 every time you use it,” said Del. Lopez. “It’s not included in the rental agreement; you find out about it after you pay your first month’s rent. Over 75% of Virginians want to see action on these bills. They’re on board, we should all be on board as well.”
This bill follows legislation from neighboring states like North Carolina, Democratic states like California, and Republican states like Ohio that are working to ban hidden fees. The bill also builds on action taken at the federal level to protect consumers from unfair charges related to live-ticket events, hotels and vacation rentals.
“Hidden fees undermine trust, hit hardworking Virginians in the wallet, and make it harder for families to make ends meet,” said Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks. “The average family of four pays $3,200 extra because of these fees. Banning hidden fees will save families money, strengthen our local businesses, and ensure fairness and transparency in the marketplace.”
“It’s estimated that 40% of Virginia households are struggling to make ends meet, struggling to pay rent, struggling to pay for food, pay their bill for heat, buy groceries, you name it,” said Virginia Poverty Law Center Chief Executive Officer Jay Speer. “These households need to know what things cost so they can make decisions about how to spend their limited income.”
“I have worked in theaters and the arts throughout my career, and accessibility is something I’m passionate about,” said impacted Virginian from Haymarket Katie Fitz. “Hidden fees create another barrier to entry for arts and live entertainment; the more expensive it gets, the less accessible it becomes for people.”
Full video can be accessed here.
Photos can be accessed here.
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