5/3/04-Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed a bill into law April 22 prohibiting prices for basic needs such as food, fuel and housing from being raised more than 10 percent during a state of emergency or national threat.
The new law is intended to protect consumers from excessively inflated prices, known as “price gouging,” when the U.S. threat level is at its highest point – “severe” – or when a state or federal emergency has been declared. Similar laws are in place in 25 states.
Under HB471, sponsored by Rep. Tommy Thompson, D-Owensboro, violators could face fines of up to $5,000 for a first offense. The fine could be as much as $10,000 for subsequent violations. The legislation would, however, allow prices for these goods, or services such as repair work, to be increased by slightly more than the 10 percent limit if necessary to cover additional supplier, labor or material costs.

4/14/04-The Senate gave final approval of a consumer protection bill that would prohibit prices for basic needs such as food, fuel and housing from being raised more than 10 percent during a state of emergency or national threat. It now heads to Gov. Ernie Fletcher.
HB471, which previously passed the House, is intended to protect consumers from excessively inflated prices, known as “price gouging,” when the U.S. threat level is at its highest point – “severe” – or when a state or federal emergency has been declared. Similar laws are in place in 25 states.
Under the approved version of the bill, sponsored by Rep. Tommy Thompson, D-Owensboro, violators would face fines of up to $5,000 for a first offense. The fine could be as much as $10,000 for subsequent violations. The legislation would, however, allow prices for these goods, or services such as repair work, to be increased by slightly more than the 10 percent limit if necessary to cover additional supplier, labor or material costs.
Under the original bill, violators could have been sent to jail for one year for a first offense. Repeated violations would have carried prison sentences of one to five years.
For bill status, call (502) 564-1800. In Kentucky, call 1-866-301-9004.

3/12/04-The Senate Judiciary Committee is reviewing a consumer protection bill that would prohibit prices for basic needs such as food, fuel and housing from being raised more than 10 percent during a state of emergency or national threat.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Tommy Thompson, D-Owensboro, previously passed the House by a 91-0 vote.
HB471 is intended to protect consumers from excessively inflated prices, known as “price gouging,” when the U.S. threat level is at its highest point – “severe” – or when a state or federal emergency has been declared.
Violators could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense and a felony for two or more offenses. The legislation would, however, allow prices for these goods, or services such as repair work, to be increased by slightly more than the 10 percent limit if necessary to cover additional supplier, labor or material costs.
For bill status, call (502) 564-1800. In Kentucky, call 1-866-301-9004.