Skift Take
California's proposed changes, if passed by mid-October, might impact how so-called junk fees are displayed nationwide. Many hotel companies and online travel agencies would likely seek uniform price displays across the U.S. for simplicity's sake.
California legislators have passed two bills that could impact how the state's 6,000 hotels and thousands of short-term rentals inform consumers about so-called junk fees, such as resort fees and housekeeping fees.
The bills, which passed the state Senate late last week, are on the desk of Governor Gavin Newsom — who hasn’t yet taken a position on them.
Under Senate Bill 537, businesses that sell lodging for up to 30 days in California can no longer display a room rate that doesn't include all fees or charges (except government-imposed taxes) as of July 1, 2024.
The bill specifies that online sites must display all mandatory fees upfront on a consumer's first search. The law affects