FRAUD-MOTOR FUEL PRICE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Murri Briel

Prohibits advertising a motor fuel price that differs from the price charged at the pump, protecting consumers from deceptive pricing.

Referred to Rules Committee

Overview / Purpose

HB 3644 adds a new prohibition to the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act to address misleading motor fuel pricing. The bill makes it unlawful to sell, offer to sell, or attempt to sell motor fuel when the price displayed in advertising labels or signs differs from the price charged at the point of distribution, i.e., the pump or other point where fuel is dispensed.

Statutory insertion: 815 ILCS 505/2HHHH (new)

Introduced by Rep. Amy Briel (104th General Assembly)

Companion bill: SB 2938

Key provisions

Prohibits representing one motor fuel price via advertising labels or signs while charging a different price at the point of distribution.

Applies to any person who sells, offers to sell, or attempts to sell "motor fuel."

Uses the term "motor fuel" as defined in Section 1.1 of the Motor Fuel Tax Law (so gasoline, diesel, and other fuels covered by that statute).

The prohibition is added as an "unlawful practice" under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, thereby bringing it within that Act’s enforcement framework.

Who would be affected

Primary: fuel retailers (gas stations, convenience stores), their advertising/marketing operations, and any third-party vendors who manage signage or pricing displays.

Secondary: fuel distributors and station operators who set or communicate prices.

Consumers: protected from deceptive or inconsistent price displays.

Enforcement entities: Illinois Attorney General and private parties may pursue remedies under the Consumer Fraud Act (see Enforcement section).

Enforcement and remedies

Because the provision is added to the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, violations would be subject to enforcement mechanisms under that Act (civil suits, injunctive relief, statutory remedies and penalties as provided generally by the Act). Specific penalties are not enumerated in HB 3644 itself; available remedies depend on the Consumer Fraud Act’s provisions and court determinations.

Legislative status and timeline

Filed/introduced: February–March 2025 (introduced by Rep. Briel; filed with Clerk early March 2025)

Committee activity: Referred to Rules Committee, then to subcommittee (Defense & Veterans' Affairs); subcommittee and full committee hearings held in April 2025.

Committee action: Reported favorably without amendment; committee report distributed and sent to Calendars on May 6, 2025.

Current status (as of May 6, 2025): Reported favorably and placed on legislative calendar for further consideration.

Potential impacts / considerations

Consumer protection: provides a clear statutory basis to challenge inconsistent or deceptive fuel pricing signage.

Compliance burden: retailers may need to audit signage, digital displays, and point-of-sale systems to ensure advertised prices match prices charged.

Enforcement scope: because the bill relies on the Consumer Fraud Act, remedies will follow that Act’s civil enforcement framework rather than creating a distinct penalty schedule specific to fuel pricing.

Bill