OHIO, USA — According to the Biden Administration, junk fees cost U.S. consumers $90 billion every year.
Now, Ohio lawmakers are working to create relief.
State Representative Michele Grim (D) Ohio District and Representative Munira Abdullahi (D-Columbus) introduced House Bill 537, the Junk Fee Elimination Act, on May 21.
There is a long process between introducing a bill and it actually passing, but this is not the first time we have seen legislation of this kind. In April 2024, The Biden-Harris Administration announced a new legislation to protect consumers from surprise airline junk fees.
This rule requires airlines to provide automatic cash refunds to passengers when an airline flight issue occurs. Now, Representatives of Ohio want to enact a bill that would use the same rules for local businesses.
The rule can save passengers money on baggage fees and cancellation fees and requires airlines to make costs clear upfront.
State Representative Michelle Grim said consumers often see these fees in stores hotels and rental agencies.
"For businesses, they would just have to be very clear on the amount that they are charging customers. You know that's money that people aren't investing or saving so I think that's helpful for people to know how much things are going to cost up front," said Grim.
Grim also said transparent transitions could help boost the economy and build trust, and she's aiming to end the practice of charging consumers convenience fees or service fees that she believes serve no real purpose.
WTOL will continue to follow this bill and update you as it moves through the Ohio statehouse.
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