6/8/06-Gov. Mark Sanford vetoed a bill Tuesday, June 6, that would have made it easier to investigate allegations of fuel price gouging in South Carolina.
Sponsored by House Speaker Bobby Harrell, H4316 would have allowed the state attorney general to trigger the state’s anti-price gouging law if an emergency is declared in another state affecting South Carolina markets. Currently, officials may not investigate such allegations as a criminal matter unless South Carolina is under a state of emergency.
Sanford said in his veto message that the governor “in his role as the state’s chief executive officer, should determine whether an abnormal disruption of pricing for goods and services has occurred to trigger the anti-price gouging law.”
Harrell, R-Charleston, said he was surprised by the Republican governor’s action.
Harrell said the measure likely has enough support in the House to override the veto. The Senate also would have to override the veto for it to become law.

2/22/06-The House has approved a bill that would make it easier to investigate allegations of fuel price gouging in the state. It has been sent to the Senate.
Sponsored by House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, H4316 would allow authorities to look into possible gouging if an emergency is declared in another state affecting the price of goods in South Carolina. Currently, officials may not investigate such allegations as a criminal matter unless South Carolina is under a state of emergency.
The measure would not change current misdemeanor criminal penalties of a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail, per occurrence.
H4316 is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For bill status, call (803) 734-2010.

1/17/06-An effort to make it easier to investigate allegations of fuel price gouging is under review.
Sponsored by House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, the bill would allow authorities to look into possible gouging if an emergency is declared in another state affecting the price of goods in South Carolina. Currently, officials may not investigate such allegations as a criminal matter unless South Carolina is under a state of emergency.
H4316 would not change current misdemeanor criminal penalties of a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail, per occurrence.
The bill is in the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.
For House bill status, call (803) 734-2010.
An identical Senate bill – S942 – is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.