5/9/06-A bill that would have made it easier to investigate allegations of fuel price gouging has died.
S943, Sen. Dick Elliott, D-North Myrtle Beach, remained in the Senate Judiciary Committee at the May 1 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.
S943, 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.
Those found in violation would face a $1,000 fine and/or 30 days in jail. Repeat offenders would face a $5,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail. Subsequent offenses could result in a $10,000 fine and/or five years in jail, per occurrence.
For Senate bill status, call (803) 212-6200.
A similar Senate bill – S942 – also is in the Senate Judiciary Committee.