2020 Senate Bill 847

Authorize jail, $1 million fine for raising prices during emergency

Introduced in the Senate

March 17, 2020

Introduced by Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-14)

To authorize penalties of $10,000 per violation by individuals, and $1 million for a business, for raising prices on “building materials, consumer food items, goods, services, emergency supplies, or medical supplies” during an emergency by an amount the bill deems as “excessive,” which could mean increases as low as 10%. Violations would be a misdemeanor, and the Attorney General would also be authorized to file class action lawsuits seeking triple damages from merchants who raise prices. Senate Bills 846 and 848 apply the same restrictions and penalties to lodging and other products.

Referred to the Committee on Economic and Small Business Development