Illinois House Approves Measures to Benefit Consumers

Bills include ban on junk fees, new abortion grant fund, and expanded access to in-state tuition and coupons

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:25am

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A vibrant, abstract painting depicting an Illinois state capitol building in a fractured, geometric style, with overlapping waves of deep blue, emerald green, and golden yellow hues conveying a sense of dynamic change and progress.The Illinois legislature's approval of consumer protection and affordability measures signals a shift in the state's political landscape.Springfield Today

The Illinois House passed over 80 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 legislation aims to provide more transparency and financial relief for Illinois families.

Why it matters

These bills address key consumer protection and affordability issues that have impacted Illinois residents, from unexpected fees tacked onto purchases to the rising costs of healthcare and higher education. The passage of these measures demonstrates the state legislature's efforts to support working families and ensure more equitable access to essential goods and services.

The details

The House voted 77-18 to ban hidden 'junk fees' that are often added to the total cost of tickets, hotel stays, and other purchases. The goal is to ensure consumers are aware of the full price before making a purchase. Lawmakers also approved a bill to create a grant fund to cover abortion care for the uninsured, as well as measures to require stores to accept cash payments and expand access to grocery coupons and in-state college tuition.

  • The House passed over 80 bills on Thursday, bringing the week's total to 133.
  • The junk fee ban bill passed the House for the second time in three years, after previously being approved in 2024 but not voted on in the Senate.
  • The abortion grant fund bill and cash payment requirement bill now move to the Illinois Senate for further consideration.

The players

Rep. Bob Morgan

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

Gov. JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois who called for lawmakers to pass legislation banning junk fees in his State of the State address this year.

Rep. Anna Moeller

The Democratic representative from Elgin who sponsored the bill to create a new abortion grant fund.

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr

The Democratic representative from Naperville who sponsored the bill to require retailers to provide digital promotions or coupons to eligible customers.

Rep. Barbara Hernandez

The Democratic representative from Aurora who sponsored the bill to remove a requirement that students attend high school in Illinois to receive in-state tuition at state universities.

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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, Sponsor of the junk fee ban bill

“'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, Sponsor of the abortion grant fund bill

“'As a first generation, I can't imagine having to live in Illinois all my life, but then when I go to a university, be considered for out-of-state tuition because I'm an immigrant.'”

— Rep. Barbara Hernandez, Sponsor of the in-state tuition bill

What’s next

The junk fee ban bill, abortion grant fund bill, and cash payment requirement bill now move to the Illinois Senate for further consideration.

The takeaway

The Illinois House has taken significant steps to protect consumers, expand access to healthcare and higher education, and provide financial relief for families through these legislative measures. The bills now head to the Senate, where they will face additional scrutiny before potentially becoming law.