Kim sponsors bipartisan bill to deliver price transparency for short-term lodging

U.S. Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) on Dec. 1 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would prohibit unfair and deceptive advertising of prices for short-term lodging, including hotels, motels, and inns.

The No Hidden Fees on Extra Expenses for Stays Act of 2023, also known as the No Hidden FEES Act of 2023, H.R 6543, is cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and aims to improve cost transparency for stays in short-term lodging, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Kim’s staff.

“As Americans pay more for everything due to persistent high inflation, the last thing families need after budgeting for trips is to be hit with costly last-minute fees,” Rep. Kim said. “The No Hidden FEES Act would right this wrong and help provide cost transparency for consumers, so they know how much they are paying for lodging upfront.”

If enacted, H.R. 6543 would require that all mandatory fees be provided in advertisements, marketing, displays, and other sales offers for the price of reserving any short-term lodging, according to the text of the bill. This would include through direct offerings, third-party distribution, or metasearch referrals, the text says.

“Hidden junk fees added to hotel room bookings often confuse or deceive consumers and take a bite out of the family vacation budget,” said Rep. Castor. “Our No Hidden FEES Act will improve transparency to ensure travelers can make fully informed decisions without being deceived by hidden junk fees.”

The American Hotel Lodging Association, Consumer Reports, and the National Consumers League support the measure, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee.

“From holiday travel to visiting family and friends, Americans are often shocked by the true price of lodging. Deceptive advertising hides fees from travelers, often resulting in them paying much more than they initially expected,” said House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA). “I applaud Rep. Young Kim’s work to deliver price transparency and honesty to this industry so people can save money and make informed decisions that best suit them and their families.”