Illinois House Approves Ban on Junk Fees, Pritzker's Abortion Fund Proposal

Lawmakers also pass bills to expand access to coupons, cash payments, and in-state college tuition

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:38pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting with overlapping, geometric shapes in shades of blue, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic nature of state politics and policy changes.The Illinois legislature's flurry of consumer-focused bills aims to provide more transparency, choice, and access for the state's residents.Springfield Today

The Illinois House passed 81 bills on Thursday, including measures to ban hidden 'junk fees', create a new abortion grant fund, require stores to accept cash payments, and expand eligibility for in-state college tuition. The junk fee ban, a priority for Governor JB Pritzker, aims to ensure consumers are aware of the total price before making a purchase. The abortion fund bill would utilize an Affordable Care Act provision to cover care for the uninsured. Other bills would mandate cash acceptance and digital coupon access for eligible customers.

Why it matters

These bills address consumer protection, reproductive healthcare access, and affordability of higher education - key issues impacting Illinois families. The junk fee ban and cash payment requirement aim to provide more transparency and choice, while the abortion fund and tuition measures seek to expand access to critical services. Passage of these bills demonstrates the Illinois legislature's focus on addressing the economic and social needs of its constituents.

The details

The junk fee ban bill, sponsored by Rep. Bob Morgan, passed 77-18 and would amend state law to require businesses to display all mandatory fees. Supporters say this could save the average Illinois family $3,000 annually. The abortion fund bill, sponsored by Rep. Anna Moeller, passed 69-36 along party lines and would create a grant program for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Other bills approved include requiring stores to accept cash payments under $500, mandating retailers provide digital coupons to eligible customers, and removing a residency requirement for in-state college tuition.

  • The Illinois House passed 81 bills on Thursday, bringing the week's total to 133.
  • The junk fee ban bill previously passed the House in 2024 but was never voted on in the Senate.
  • Governor Pritzker called for lawmakers to pass the junk fee ban in his 2023 State of the State address.

The players

Rep. Bob Morgan

A Democratic state representative from Deerfield who sponsored the bill to ban hidden 'junk fees'.

Gov. JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who has prioritized banning junk fees and creating an abortion grant fund.

Rep. Anna Moeller

A Democratic state representative from Elgin who sponsored the bill to create an abortion grant fund.

Rep. Tom Weber

A Republican state representative from Lake Villa who voted against the junk fee ban bill, arguing it went 'a step too far on our already overburdened businesses'.

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr

A Democratic state representative from Naperville who sponsored the bill to require retailers to provide digital coupons to eligible customers.

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What they’re saying

“This bill delivers on a promise that's quite simple: The price that you see should be the price that you pay.”

— Rep. Bob Morgan, Bill Sponsor

“This is an important bill that helps support our reproductive health care providers in the state of Illinois and ensure that women who need this health care are able to access it.”

— Rep. Anna Moeller, Bill Sponsor

What’s next

The junk fee ban bill and abortion fund bill now move to the Illinois Senate for further consideration.

The takeaway

The Illinois House's approval of these consumer protection, healthcare access, and higher education affordability measures demonstrates the legislature's focus on addressing key economic and social issues impacting residents. The bills now advance to the Senate, where further negotiations and amendments may occur before final passage.