SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to protect consumers from missed appointment fees due to long service appointment windows passed the Senate.

“People are being forced to block off entire days waiting for a service provider who may or may not show up when promised,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We need to respect people’s time and leave vague scheduling practices in the past.”

Across Illinois, residents have voiced frustration with vague scheduling practices that leave them effectively tethered to their homes for hours on end. By requiring tighter appointment windows and proactive communication, the bill brings greater predictability and fairness to everyday service interactions.

Senate Bill 3066 would require companies that provide a service, like a cable or plumbing company, to give property owners or tenants a two-hour service appointment window. If the company provides a service window that exceeds two hours, then the company has to provide a one-hour notice via phone call to the consumer before they arrive. If the service provider fails to comply with the new rules and the consumer is not present at the residence when the provider arrives, the consumer cannot legally be charged any fee or additional charge.

Senate Bill 3066 passed the Senate on Thursday.