- Introduced -

SB 857 - This act creates a price gouging law. During a declared state of emergency, a person commits price gouging if he or she charges an excessive price for necessities in connection with an advertised price or sale. A person suspected of price gouging has an affirmative defense if he or she can provide written documentation that the price of the necessity was increased due to an increase in the cost to obtain the necessity; and the price increase was beyond the person's control.

A person engaging in price gouging is liable for three times the amount unfairly received in the transaction.

SARAH MORROW