TRUE Fees Act of 2019
Truth-in-Billing, Remedies, and User Empowerment over Fees Act of 2019 or the TRUE Fees Act of 2019
This bill relates to transparency for prices of covered services such as internet, television, voice, and data services. Specifically, the bill prohibits a provider of a covered service from advertising the price of the service unless that price is the total amount the provider will charge, including fees or other charges. Additionally, providers are prohibited from providing bills electronically unless consumers are notified by email (or a functional equivalent of email) of the bill's availability and are provided an itemized statement of charges.
If there is an increase in charges, a provider must give clear notice and allow consumers to terminate the contract without paying a fee or penalty.
Providers are prohibited from increasing fees for equipment rental unless the equipment is upgraded to increase functionality.
Finally, the bill prohibits providers from including in a contract a requirement for alternative dispute resolution.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.