RICHMOND, Va. — Today, legislation to ban hidden fees passed in the Senate by a 39 to 0 vote. SB1212, patroned by Senator Stella Pekarsky (D-Fairfax), will next cross over to the House. The legislation would protect Virginians by requiring all fees to be disclosed upfront, ensuring consumers know the total cost of a good or service before checking out. People feel the impact of hidden fees across the economy; on average, families lose $3,200 a year to hidden fees on purchases.
“I’m thankful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for recognizing the importance of this legislation for our hardworking Virginia families,” said Senator Pekarsky. “Virginians deserve to know the total cost of an item up-front. It’s time to stop deceptive practices like hidden fees that force people to spend more money than anticipated. I look forward to seeing this legislation progress through the House so we can ensure hardworking Virginians can keep more of what they earn.”
“I’m excited to see that legislation to ban hidden fees has passed through the Senate today,” said impacted Virginian Katie Fitz, who works in theatre programming and development in Haymarket. “The deceptive practice of charging hidden fees hurts consumers and hurts the small and independent arts community. This legislation will hold big corporations accountable and allow small businesses, theaters and performing arts venues to thrive. I look forward to seeing this bill continue to make its way through the General Assembly.”
“Today, the Senate took an important step in protecting consumers from predatory practices employed by big corporations,” said Freedom Virginia co-Executive Director Rhena Hicks. “This legislation will ensure Virginians can keep more of what they earn. Transparency matters, and the General Assembly must stand up for Virginians and demand accountability from corporations that profit from deception. We look forward to seeing the bill pass through the House.”
Companion legislation, HB2515, patroned by Delegate Adele McClure (D-Arlington), will be considered by the House Labor and Commerce Committee in the coming days.
