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 other short-term lodging. The bill mandates that covered entities clearly and conspicuously display the total services price, including all mandatory fees, in any advertisement or offer. This includes disclosing the total price at the initial display and throughout the purchasing process, as well as disclosing any government-imposed taxes, fees, or assessments before the final purchase.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely lead to greater transparency in the pricing of hotel rooms and short-term rentals. Consumers will be better informed about the actual cost of lodging before making a booking. This could also foster more competition among hotels and short-term rentals, as consumers can more easily compare total prices.
Potential Benefits
- Increased price transparency for consumers.
- Easier comparison of lodging costs across different providers.
- Reduced instances of hidden or unexpected fees.
- Potential for increased competition among hotels and short-term rentals.
- Empowered consumers making more informed purchasing decisions.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased compliance costs for hotels and short-term rentals.
- Possible initial confusion as businesses adjust to the new regulations.
- Risk of businesses finding loopholes to circumvent the law's intent.
- Could lead to slightly higher advertised prices as all fees are included upfront.
- May require additional oversight and enforcement by the FTC and state attorneys general.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, as it regulates interstate commerce by addressing advertising practices of hotels and short-term rentals. The enforcement provisions, assigning authority to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general, are consistent with established regulatory frameworks. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
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).