SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Steve Stadelman passed legislation through the Senate to increase transparency in the digital marketplace by requiring online sellers to provide disclosures, helping ensure consumers understand exactly what they are purchasing.

“Travelers shouldn’t be surprised by hidden fees or incorrect bookings when making a hotel reservation,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “Illinois is leading the way in protecting consumers from being misled and misinformed by requiring clear disclosures from third-party booking services that they’re not directly making a reservation at the hotel.”

Many consumers use third-party hotel booking services and assume they are booking directly with the hotel, only to discover unexpected fees, errors or other issues after the transaction is complete. Current law does not require these services to disclose that they are independent from the hotels they list, leaving travelers potentially unware that they are not booking directly with the property.

Senate Bill 2013 would protect consumers by requiring third-party hotel booking services to provide a clear disclosure stating that the service is not directly affiliated with the hotel and the consumer is not making a reservation directly with the hotel. The disclosure must appear first in search results, be displayed clearly on any webpage or booking interface, and be provided in any oral communication before a consumer receives offers or information about accommodations. Additionally, these disclosures cannot be hidden in terms and conditions or require extra clicks to view.

“Right now, there is too much room for confusion when booking hotels online,” said Stadelman. “This common-sense measure sets a clear standard so consumers know exactly who they are booking with before committing to payment and a reservation.”

Senate Bill 2013 passed the Senate Thursday.