3/12/04-A measure in the Senate to stop price gouging has been sidelined.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jay Tibshraeny, R-Chandler, would have penalized companies that boost the prices of fuel or other commodities during an emergency.
Tibshraeny decided to pull SB1112 from consideration, saying he would rather wait for recommendations from a panel appointed by Gov. Janet Napolitano. The panel’s recommendations are expected by May, too late for legislation this year.
The bill would have given the attorney general the power to investigate complaints of price gouging. Company owners convicted of the practice could have lost their business license for 30 days and faced criminal penalties. The measure would have applied to anything that put residents’ health or public safety at risk, including electricity, natural gas and water concerns.