Here we go again with big-government "consumer protection" theater in Colorado. Democrats in the legislature passed HB 25-1090 to supposedly banish those evil "junk fees," but as even left-leaning outlets like The Colorado Sun admit, the new rules just force businesses to slap the fees in bold print upfront instead of hiding them. Surprise: the fees aren't disappearing—they're just getting a bureaucratic makeover.

Landlords can still pile on charges for amenities, valet trash, or "smart home" nonsense, as long as they disclose them. Restaurants keep tacking on "kitchen appreciation" or service fees (which often aren't even going to workers as tips). Ticket sites, delivery apps, and hotels? Same story—convenience fees and resort fees live on.

This isn't protecting consumers; it's more nanny-state meddling that raises compliance costs for businesses, which inevitably get passed on to you and me through higher base prices. The real junk here is the idea that government micromanaging pricing transparency will magically make housing or dining more affordable. If anything, it discourages investment in rentals and small businesses while doing zilch about the actual drivers of high costs: sky-high regulations, taxes, and limited housing supply thanks to the same progressive policies.

Consumer advocates whining that disclosure "alone isn't effective" are half-right—for once. The solution isn't more laws; it's less government interference so the free market can keep prices competitive. File a complaint if you're truly misled, but don't expect Sacramento-on-the-Rockies-style overreach to fix what it broke in the first place.