2020 Senate Bill 848

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

Introduced in the Senate

March 17, 2020

Introduced by Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-11)

To authorize penalties of $10,000 per violation by individuals, and $1 million for a business, for raising prices on gasoline, propane, home heating oil, and other energy-based products and services 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 sellers who raise prices. Senate Bills 846 and 847 apply the same restrictions and penalties to lodging and other products.

Referred to the Committee on Economic and Small Business Development