12/6/05-The Senate Transportation Committee voted Dec. 5 to substitute S2800 with S2769.

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.
S2800, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Ciesla, R-Brick, would fine violators $1,000 for a first offense. A second offense would result in a $2,500 fine and subsequent offenses would be a $5,000 fine.
Existing New Jersey law allows the state to fine gougers $50 to $200 per occurrence.
The current law also prohibits the price of fuel from being increased more than once in a 24-hour period.
For bill status, call (609) 292-4840. In New Jersey, call 1-800-792-8630.