Bills · HR 2427
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 2427Emergency Management
Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act
INTRO MAR 27· LAST ACTION MAR 27
READING
8MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly addresses the critical issue of price gouging, which often occurs during natural disasters or emergencies. When communities are recovering from a hurricane, earthquake, or other major event, people are desperate for basic necessities like water, food, fuel, and shelter, as well as repair services. Without protections, some businesses might exploit this desperation by drastically inflating prices, making it harder for people to get what they need to survive and rebuild.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a clear federal standard against excessive price hikes in disaster zones, giving consumers and enforcement agencies stronger tools to fight exploitation. It aims to ensure that prices remain reasonable during chaotic and vulnerable times, helping communities recover more equitably. If it doesn't become law, the ability to combat price gouging would remain inconsistent, relying on varied state laws, potentially leaving more people vulnerable to unfair practices when they can least afford it.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Prohibits price increases of more than 10% for essential goods, hotel lodging, and residential rentals for 30 days after a disaster declaration.
This sets a clear, immediate limit on how much businesses can raise prices on vital items and shelter during the crucial initial recovery period.
PROVISION 02
Prohibits price increases of more than 10% for repair or reconstruction services for 180 days after a disaster declaration.
This extends protection for essential rebuilding services over a longer term, recognizing the extended timeline for disaster recovery and reconstruction.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits charging a price more than 50% greater than the cost to the seller for essential goods and services, lodging, and rentals for 30 days after a disaster, if that price wasn't charged before the disaster.
This provision targets instances where new or opportunistic sellers might enter a disaster area with vastly inflated prices, even if they didn't have a pre-disaster pricing history.
PROVISION 04
Includes exceptions for legitimate cost increases, such as additional supplier costs or seasonal hotel adjustments, as long as they meet specific criteria.
These exceptions allow businesses to pass on genuine increases in their own costs, preventing them from being unfairly penalized for higher operating expenses during a disaster.
PROVISION 05
Allows enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state attorneys general, and grants a private right of action for individuals to sue for damages.
This provides multiple powerful avenues for enforcement, ensuring that violations can be addressed by federal agencies, state authorities, or directly by affected consumers.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
11
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAR 27
Introduced in House
MAR 27
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 2427
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMar 27, 2025
Last actionMar 27, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 27, 2025
House BillHR 2427Emergency Management
Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act
INTRODUCED MAR 27, 2025· LAST ACTION MAR 27, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
8 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
