SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed several bills into law Thursday, creating transparency for consumers paying for everything from hotel rooms to concert tickets. Sponsors believe Illinois deserves fair pricing instead of price gouging.

Illinois will ban junk fees by making it unlawful for any business to advertise, display, or offer a price for products or services that do not include all mandatory fees or surcharges before taxes. Experts say junk fees cost an average family of four $3,200 annually.

"This junk fees issue has been pervasive, unfortunately, throughout the entire economy," said Sen. Omar Aquino (D-Chicago). "It is something where corporations have decided to find different ways to charge you more without consumers knowing."

Two other laws give people a sigh of relief if they struggled to get tickets to see Taylor Swift during the Eras Tour.

One measure bans ticket resellers from selling, listing, or advertising tickets unless they have actual possession of the tickets at the time they're offered. Illinois is also prohibiting AI bots from buying tickets for concerts, sports and other major events.

"Fans are using their hard-earned money to buy tickets and they're frustrated," said Sen. Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford). "They shouldn't just have to shake it off."

A separate law will require buy now pay later lenders to register with the state and provide full disclosures about repayment terms, interest rates and potential fees. Sponsors said it also ensures people understand the total cost of borrowing and can make informed financial decisions.

"These buy now pay later loans get you a lifetime of desperation, whether you're at the grocery store trying to buy groceries or are running a tight budget," said Sen. Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort). "This often becomes a loan shark with a new paint job."

The buy now pay later and ticket reseller laws took effect immediately. Meanwhile, the junk fees ban and law addressing bots buying tickets will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

"Illinois is saying goodbye to junk fees once and for all, addressing abuses in the ticketing marketplace and fighting for greater oversight and consumer protections," Pritzker said. "I'm proud to sign a slate of bills that cut costs for working families while advancing transparency, fairness and accountability on behalf of Illinoisans." 

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