H.R.1479 - Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1479, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2025, aims to prohibit unfair and deceptive advertising of prices for hotel rooms and short-term lodging. It mandates that covered entities clearly and conspicuously display the total services price, including all mandatory fees, in any advertisement or offer. The bill empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general to enforce these provisions.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to greater transparency in hotel and short-term rental pricing. Consumers will be able to see the full cost upfront, reducing the likelihood of hidden fees and unexpected charges. This could also foster more competition among lodging providers, as consumers can more easily compare total prices.
Potential Benefits
- Increased price transparency for consumers.
- Reduced instances of hidden or unexpected fees.
- Empowerment of consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
- Potential for increased competition among hotels and short-term rentals.
- Enforcement mechanisms through the FTC and state attorneys general.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for covered entities to increase base prices to offset the inclusion of mandatory fees in the advertised total price.
- Possible compliance costs for hotels and short-term rentals to update their advertising and pricing systems.
- Risk of litigation regarding the definition and scope of 'service fees'.
- Preemption of state laws that do not align with the federal standard, potentially weakening consumer protections in some states.
- The 450-day delay before the effective date allows time for entities to potentially circumvent the law's intent.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's regulation of interstate commerce aligns with Congress's power under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause) of the U.S. Constitution. The enforcement mechanisms granted to the FTC are consistent with the delegation of powers doctrine, as Congress is establishing clear standards and guidelines for the agency to follow. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any individual liberties or rights protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).