The Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives recently advanced S.B. 1172, a bill that would amend the Price Gouging Act, to the governor’s desk.
Under the Price Gouging Act, price controls are automatically triggered when the governor issues a disaster declaration. Any business that increases prices in the state during the duration of the declaration or in the 30 days following may undergo enforcement action by the Office of Attorney General.
S.B. 1172 limits the duration of pricing restrictions to 15 days with extensions up to 60 days and limits their scope to goods and services necessary for use or consumption. It also establishes a lower threshold of 10 percent or less above specified benchmarks or market and contract prices for what constitutes an “unconscionably excessive” price.
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry applauded the advancement of the legislation and urged Governor Wolf to sign it.
“We recognize the vital importance of ensuring consumer protections, especially in times of emergencies,” PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr said “We also recognize the need for predictability and consistency in our economy and business operations. Therefore, on behalf of our membership, we urge Governor Wolf to sign this important legislation.”