Legislators work to pass bill meant to increase transparency in travel industry

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Legislators are working together to pass a bill that would require the final price of a hotel room or short-term rental to be advertised before travelers are trapped with an expensive receipt.

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) says he recently joined Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) to introduce the bipartisan Hotels Fees Transparency Act, which unanimously passed the Senate Commerce Committee.

Moran indicated that the legislation is meant to improve transparency for consumers. It would require anyone who advertises a hotel room or short-term rental to clearly show the final price a customer will pay to book the room up front.

“The Hotel Fees Transparency Act gives customers the transparency they deserve while booking travel and planning expenses,” Moran said. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Sen. Klobuchar on this legislation and its clearance through the Commerce Committee and encourage Sen. Schumer to quickly consider this bill so that individuals across the nation can make informed travel decisions.”

The Senator also noted that Representative Young Kim (R-CA) led companion legislation, the No Hidden FEES Act of 2023, in the House of Representatives in July.

“Too often, Americans making reservations online are being met with hidden fees that make it difficult to compare prices and understand the true cost of an overnight stay,” Klobuchar added. “The Senate passed my bipartisan legislation to improve transparency so that travelers can make informed decisions.”

The Senators said the bill is supported by Consumer Reports, the Travel Tech Association and the American Hotel & Lodging Association. To read the full text of the legislation, click HERE.

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