Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act: Federal limits on price increases after emergencies.
This Act establishes a federal prohibition on price gouging for essential goods, services, lodging, and repair work following a major disaster or emergency declaration by the President. It protects citizens from extreme price hikes that could hinder survival and recovery efforts after a catastrophe. The legislation empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state attorneys general, and affected individuals to take legal action against unfair pricing practices.
Key points
Price increase limits: In disaster areas, prices for essential goods (food, fuel, medicine, building materials) and lodging cannot increase by more than 10% compared to the day before the disaster (for 30 days).
Protection for repair services: Prices for repair and reconstruction services are protected from excessive increases for 180 days after the emergency declaration.
Exceptions: Price increases are allowed if they are directly attributable to the seller's increased costs (e.g., higher supplier costs or labor), provided the markup does not exceed 10% of the seller's customary pre-disaster markup.
Private right of action: Injured individuals can sue sellers for violations to recover damages, and potentially triple damages if the violation was willful.
Penalties: Each violation is subject to a civil penalty of up to $25,000, with collected funds dedicated to assisting disaster-affected communities.
Status:
Introduced
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