6/7/06-Gov. Bill Owens vetoed a bill June 2 intended to protect consumers in the state from being gouged at the fuel pump.
HB1251 was intended to prevent price gouging in the state before, during or after natural disasters. The protections would have applied to retails sales of goods and services, including fuel.
The bill would have made it illegal for retailers to increase prices more than 10 percent above their costs after emergency declarations by the governor. Violators would have faced up to a $10,000 fine per day.
The Colorado attorney general would have been able to file suit in district court to prevent gouging.
Owens said in his veto statement that the bill “violates the fundamental principles of our market-based economy. Basic economics teaches us that in times of shortage or increased demand, prices increase accordingly.”

5/26/06-A bill awaiting Gov. Bill Owens’ signature is intended to prevent price gouging in the state before, during or after natural disasters. The governor has until June 7 to sign, veto or let it become law without his signature.
Under HB1251, the protections would apply to retails sales of goods and services, including fuel.
The bill would make it illegal for retailers to increase prices more than 10 percent above their costs after emergency declarations by the governor. Violators would face up to a $10,000 fine per day.
The state attorney general would be able to file suit in district court to prevent gouging.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-811-7647.