12/6/05-The Senate Transportation Committee approved legislation Dec. 5 that would toughen penalties for fuel price gouging in the state.
S2769 would fine fuel station operators $1,500 for raising the price of fuel more than once in a 24-hour period. Repeat offenders would face a $3,000 fine.
Station operators also could have their fuel license suspended for up to 30 days for a first offense and possible revocation for subsequent offenses.
Existing New Jersey law allows the state to fine gougers $50 to $200 per occurrence. The law also prohibits the price of fuel from being increased more than once in a 24-hour period.
It now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

11/29/05-The Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing Dec. 5 to address price gougers.
Among the bills up for discussion is a measure that would increase the penalty for price gouging.
S2769, sponsored by Sens. Joseph Coniglio, D-Paramus, and Nicholas Sacco, D-North Bergen, would boost the fine for increasing the price of fuel more than once in a 24-hour period to $1,500 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses could result in a fine up to $3,000.
Existing New Jersey law allows the state to fine gougers $50 to $200 per occurrence.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.

9/29/05-A bill awaiting assignment to a Senate committee would increase the penalty for price gouging.
S2769, sponsored by Sens. Joseph Coniglio, D-Paramus, and Nicholas Sacco, D-North Bergen, would increase the fine for increasing the price of fuel more than once in a 24-hour period to $1,500 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses could result in a fine up to $3,000.
Existing New Jersey law allows the state to fine gougers $50 to $200 per occurrence.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.