During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the pervasive issue of \"junk fees\" in various markets, particularly in ticketing and rental sectors. Senator Hickenlooper highlighted the significant financial burden these fees impose on consumers, noting that primary and secondary market ticketing companies add service and processing fees that inflate ticket prices by an average of 27% and 31%, respectively.

The meeting underscored the disproportionate impact of these fees on low-income individuals, particularly renters, who often face a barrage of additional charges. A 2022 survey revealed that 89% of landlords impose rental application fees, while many renters also encounter excessive late fees and a variety of other charges, including utility and administrative fees.

Participants emphasized that competition alone has failed to eliminate junk fees, as these charges create barriers to price comparison and distort market dynamics. This situation ultimately harms honest businesses that strive to provide value to their customers. The consensus among attendees was clear: urgent action is needed to address the consumer and competitive harm caused by junk fees to foster a fairer marketplace.