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HB 3351

RENTAL AGE PROTECTION ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Brad Fritts and 2 co-sponsors

Prohibits age-based refusals and higher charges for 18+ in car rentals and lodgings in Illinois, with enforcement by the Attorney General under the Consumer Fraud Act.

Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 3351

HB 3351 — Rental Age Protection Act

Sponsor: Rep. Tracy Katz Muhl (primary); Chief Co‑Sponsors: Reps. Nabeela Syed and Bradley Fritts
Status (selected): Introduced Feb 25, 2025; House Committee Amendment 001 filed Mar 17, 2025; currently Rule 19(a) / Re‑referred to Rules Committee (Apr 11, 2025). Companion bills: SB 1262, HB 121.

Purpose

To prohibit age‑based refusals and surcharges by automobile rental companies and lodging establishments for adults aged 18 and older, and to bring violations under the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act for enforcement by the Attorney General. The bill also makes conforming changes to the Renter’s Financial Responsibility and Protection Act.

Key definitions (selected)

  • Automobile rental company: business whose primary activity is renting motor vehicles to the public for 30 days or less.
  • Lodging establishment: hotels, inns, motels, tourist homes/courts, lodging houses, and similar places offering lodging for travelers/guests.
  • Motor vehicle: vehicle a holder of a Class D Illinois driver’s license may operate.
  • Person: natural person or business entity (includes controlling entities and individuals).

Major provisions

  • Automobile rentals
    • Unlawful to refuse to rent a motor vehicle to any person aged 18 or older on the basis of age.
    • Under House Amendment 001, rental companies may require renters under 21 to:
    • provide proof of comprehensive liability insurance, or
    • pay an increased rental fee, or
    • provide an increased rental deposit.
    • Rental companies may require age‑confirming documentation before entering a rental agreement.
    • (Note: an earlier introduced version also said companies may not charge extra insurance costs based solely on age; Amendment 001 clarifies permitted requirements for renters under 21.)
  • Lodging establishments
    • Unlawful to refuse to rent a room to any person aged 18 or older on the basis of age.
    • Unlawful to charge a higher rate than the regular rate based on age.
    • Lodging providers may require documentation confirming age; they may also offer waivers requested by a parent/guardian for renters under 21 (as reflected in amendment language).
  • Enforcement
    • Violation of the Act is declared an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act; remedies and enforcement authority available to the Attorney General.
  • Conforming statutory change
    • Amends the Renter’s Financial Responsibility and Protection Act (625 ILCS 27/10) to modify definitions (removing or altering minimum‑age language for “Authorized Driver” and related terms).

Who is affected

  • Primary effect on automobile rental companies and lodging establishments operating in Illinois.
  • Direct beneficiaries: persons aged 18–20 (young adults) seeking to rent cars or rooms.
  • Also affects insurers (liability/coverage verification), rental company underwriting and pricing policies, and the Attorney General’s enforcement workload.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Reduces the ability of businesses to deny service to legally adult customers (18+), expanding access for young adults.
  • Amendment 001 retains some age‑based risk mitigation tools for rentals (insurance proof, higher fees/deposits for <21), so businesses can still manage perceived risk for younger drivers.
  • Businesses will need to update rental and booking policies and training to comply; insurers and pricing models may adapt to new constraints.
  • Enforcement via Consumer Fraud Act permits civil actions and remedies (injunctions, penalties, restitution) by the Attorney General.

Legislative procedural notes

  • Introduced Feb 18–25, 2025; referred to Rules Committee and Consumer Protection Committee; received Do Pass in Consumer Protection (Mar 18, 2025).
  • House Committee Amendment No. 1 (filed Mar 17, 2025) substantially rewrote substantive provisions and was referred to Rules Committee (Mar 17) and later tabled (Mar 18).
  • Bill currently awaiting further House Rules Committee action (Rule 19(a) re‑referral Apr 11, 2025).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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