Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act
Rep. Friedman Introduces Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act to Limit Post-Storm Price Hikes
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is being reviewed by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It is considered active, but no further meetings or votes have been scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
Consumer protection bills like this often struggle to get through committee without broad support from party leadership.
Key Points
Impact Analysis
Personal Impact
Life & Work
Small businesses in disaster zones face a tricky balance. On one hand, they cannot raise prices more than 10% above pre-disaster levels even when their own costs spike due to supply shortages. On the other hand, the bill does allow them to pass through legitimate cost increases from suppliers. Small retailers, gas stations, and contractors would need to carefully document their costs to avoid FTC enforcement or lawsuits, adding administrative burden during an already chaotic time.
“is not more than 10 percent greater than the total of the cost to the person plus the markup customarily applied by that seller for that good or service in the usual course of business immediately prior to the onset of the major disaster or emergency”
Programs
Disabilities
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
Related News
3 articlesFriedman introduces legislation to help disaster victims
Rep. Laura Friedman announced the Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act to protect victims from predatory price hikes on housing and essential goods following the January wildfires. The bill establishes a federal prohibition on price increases over 10% and includes a $25,000 penalty for violators.
Friedman marks one year since devastating wildfires
On the anniversary of the Los Angeles wildfires, Rep. Laura Friedman recommitted to passing the Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act. She emphasized that the bill is crucial to prevent businesses from exploiting vulnerable families during the 180-day home repair and construction window.
Trump Blindsides Congress by Canceling Housing Bill Signing
The article discusses a broader legislative push to address affordability and cost-of-living concerns. While focusing on the '21st Century ROAD to Housing Act,' it notes that lawmakers are increasingly looking at federal limits on price hikes and institutional market power to protect consumers.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.