Bill · S. 3367· Senate(119-S-3367)
Junk Fee Prevention Act
- Introduced
- 12/4/2025
- Last activity
- 12/4/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Richard Blumenthal
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Junk Fee Prevention Act" aims to limit and eliminate excessive, hidden, and unnecessary fees imposed on consumers. It requires covered entities, such as lodging providers and ticket sellers, to clearly display total prices including all mandatory fees at the time of advertisement. For service providers in the communications sector, the bill mandates price transparency in billing and limits early termination fees. It also requires air carriers to report revenue earned from ancillary services to the Secretary of Transportation. The Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission to create rules regarding these disclosures and fees. Additionally, it establishes enforcement mechanisms through federal and state authorities.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+8
The bill requires clear disclosure of total prices, prevents deceptive hidden fees, and mandates transparency in ticketing and communications billing.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The elimination of excessive early termination fees and hidden charges provides financial predictability for low-income consumers.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+5
Price transparency across lodging, travel, and communications services benefits middle-income budgeting.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Price Transparency for Goods and Services: Covered entities must display the total price, including mandatory fees and government charges, when a price is first shown (Section 2(a)(1)). This ensures consumers know the full cost upfront.
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Price Consistency: Entities are required to ensure that mandatory fees do not change from the advertised price during the purchase process (Section 2(a)(2)).
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Protection for Live Event Attendees: Ticket sellers for sporting events or live performances must disclose the total number of tickets available at least 72 hours before the first sale (Section 2(c)).
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Refund Protections: The bill requires clear disclosure of refund policies and mandates that refunds for tickets include the total cost plus any mandatory fees (Section 2(d)).
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Protection Against Speculative Ticketing: If a seller does not possess a ticket at the time of sale, they must provide clear notice and a full refund if they cannot provide the ticket before the event (Section 2(e)).
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Communications Service Fair Treatment: Providers cannot charge excessive or unreasonable fees for terminating a service early (Section 3(a)(1)). Additionally, after termination, providers must give a prorated credit or rebate for the remaining days in the billing cycle (Section 3(a)(2)).
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Improved Billing Clarity for Communications: Providers must use a single, clear line item for the aggregate price on bills and must disclose when introductory or temporary prices will end (Section 3(b)(1)).
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Increased Aviation Transparency: Air carriers must file quarterly reports detailing revenue from ancillary services, such as baggage or seat selection, which the Secretary will publish online (Section 4(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited Scope of Short-term Lodging: The definition of short-term lodging excludes accommodations of 6 months or more through a landlord-tenant relationship (Section 2(i)(1)(B)(ii)).
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Carrier Data Requirements: Air carriers are required to file specific quarterly reports regarding revenue from ancillary services and critical services like baggage or seating (Section 4(a)(1)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Middle Class Households+5Good For Seniors+3Good For Urban Residents+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+8
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Affordable Housing+2
- 12/4/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ruben GallegoDemocrat · Arizona