Bill > A09604

This bill, known as the "New York junk fee prevention act," aims to ensure consumers are fully aware of all costs associated with purchasing goods or services by requiring businesses to clearly and conspicuously display the "total price," which includes any "mandatory fees." A mandatory fee is defined as any additional charge that a consumer must pay to complete a purchase, is not easily avoidable, would be expected by a reasonable consumer, or is automatically added and requires consumer action to remove, excluding certain government-imposed taxes, delivery fees based on consumer choice, nominal pre-authorization fees, and optional add-ons. Businesses must disclose this total price in all advertisements and offers, or if the total price is variable, they must disclose the variable fee and all mandatory fees. These disclosures must be prominent and easy to understand. Violators can face injunctions, and the Attorney General or affected individuals can sue for actual damages, or up to $500 for unintentional violations and up to $1,000 for intentional violations, with the possibility of recovering legal costs. The bill also includes provisions for various exemptions, such as for broadband internet providers, cable services, financial institutions, and short-term lodging providers who comply with specific federal regulations, and it specifies that agreements waiving these protections are void.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A9604