Bills · HR 4528
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 4528Commerce
Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025
INTRO JUL 17· LAST ACTION JUL 17
READING
16MIN
COSPONSORS
20
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-writtenThis bill matters to voters because it directly addresses the concern of businesses taking advantage of difficult situations, like natural disasters or supply chain disruptions, by dramatically increasing prices for necessities. When these events occur, people often struggle to afford basic goods and services, and price gouging can deepen their financial hardship and stress.
If this bill becomes law, it could provide a layer of protection for consumers, potentially ensuring more stable and fair prices during crises. Without it, there's less federal oversight to prevent what some consider exploitative pricing during emergencies, leaving consumers more vulnerable to sudden and significant cost burdens.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Makes it unlawful to sell goods or services at a "grossly excessive price," regardless of a business's position in the supply chain.
This establishes a clear federal standard against price gouging for the first time, protecting consumers nationwide.
PROVISION 02
Establishes a presumption of price gouging during an "exceptional market shock" if a business with "unfair leverage" charges excessive prices compared to historical averages or competitors.
This targets specific situations like disasters where price increases are most harmful and focuses enforcement on larger entities with market power.
PROVISION 03
Allows businesses to defend against price gouging accusations if price increases are directly due to additional, uncontrollable costs incurred in providing the good or service.
This provides a crucial safeguard for businesses to legitimately adjust prices when their own operating costs rise.
PROVISION 04
Exempts smaller businesses (under $100 million in gross U.S. revenue) from the unlawful act, provided their price increases are due to uncontrollable costs.
This protects small businesses from potential regulatory burden while still addressing price gouging by larger entities.
PROVISION 05
Expands the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) authority to seek permanent injunctions and other relief against violators, treating price gouging as an unfair or deceptive act.
This gives the FTC stronger tools to enforce the new rules and take action against businesses that engage in illegal price gouging.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 20
D· Illinois
YRS IN OFFICE
27
BILLS LED
40
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 20 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJUL 17
Introduced in House
JUL 17
Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 4528
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJul 17, 2025
Last actionJul 17, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025
House BillHR 4528Commerce
Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JUL 17, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 17, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
16 min
COSPONSORS
20
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
