5/9/06-A bill that would have made it easier to investigate allegations of fuel price gouging has died.
S942, sponsored by Sen. Dick Elliott, D-North Myrtle Beach, remained in the Senate Judiciary Committee May 1, the deadline to advance to the full Senate.
However, a similar bill – H4316 – remains active.

1/17/06-A bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee would make it easier to investigate allegations of fuel price gouging.
S942, sponsored by Sen. Dick Elliott, D-North Myrtle Beach, 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.
For Senate bill status, call (803) 212-6200.
An identical House bill – H4316 – is in the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee. A similar Senate bill – S943 – is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.