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Bill > SB354


HI SB354

Relating To Consumer Protection.


summary

Introduced
01/15/2025
In Committee
01/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Prohibits any person from charging any fees on a transient accommodation or resort time share vacation interest, plan, or unit that were not disclosed before the time of purchase. Requires a person to clearly and conspicuously display a rate or price that includes all fees to be charged at the time of purchase in each advertisement for a transient accommodation or resort time share vacation interest, plan, or unit. Requires any taxes and fees that are displayed as a percentage of the cost on a booking transaction also be displayed as a dollar amount at the time of purchase.

AI Summary

This bill aims to protect consumers from "junk fees" in transient accommodations and resort time share transactions by prohibiting businesses from charging any fees that were not disclosed before purchase. The legislation requires businesses to clearly display the total price, including all fees, in each advertisement for accommodations or time share properties, both in-person and online. Additionally, the bill mandates that any taxes or fees shown as a percentage during booking must also be displayed as a specific dollar amount. The bill defines key terms such as "booking transaction" and references existing Hawaii state definitions for terms like "transient accommodations" and "resort time share vacation interest". The motivation for this bill stems from a broader national movement to combat deceptive pricing practices, with references to similar efforts by the Federal Trade Commission and other states like California. By requiring upfront, transparent pricing, the legislation seeks to prevent businesses from using "drip pricing" tactics that mislead consumers about the true cost of their purchases and create an uneven competitive landscape. The bill will take effect upon approval and does not impact any rights, penalties, or proceedings that existed before its enactment.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Referred to EDT, CPN. (on 01/21/2025)

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