11/14/06-Gov. Ed Rendell has signed a bill into law that allows the Pennsylvania attorney general to investigate complaints of price gouging during disasters and impose penalties. It received unanimous support in the Legislature.
The new law, previously HB2001, prohibits sellers from raising prices of such products as diesel and gasoline more than 20 percent above the average price one week before an emergency is declared. The restriction would apply until 30 days after the disaster declaration is lifted.
Anyone involved in the distribution or sale of consumer goods or services found in violation of the protection would face fines up to $10,000, per occurrence.
The rule will take effect after a natural disaster, labor strike, act of terrorism or other event, White said. It does not apply to price increases caused by additional expenses, such as replacement costs, taxes and transportation.

10/31/06-The House approved a bill that would permit the state’s Attorney General to investigate complaints of price gouging during disasters and impose penalties.
House lawmakers voted by unanimous consent Oct. 23 to approve Senate changes to the bill. HB2001 now heads to Gov. Ed Rendell’s desk.
If signed into law, sellers will be prohibited from raising prices of such products as diesel and gasoline more than 20 percent above the average price one week before an emergency is declared. The restriction would expire 30 days after the disaster declaration is lifted.
Anyone involved in the distribution or sale of consumer goods or services found in violation of the protection would face fines up to $10,000, per occurrence.
The rule would take effect after a natural disaster, labor strike, act of terrorism or other event. It would not apply to price increases caused by additional expenses, such as replacement costs, taxes and transportation.
For bill status, call (717) 787-6732.

Click here to read the 2005 legislative updates for HB2001.