5/30/06-Gov. Jim Doyle has signed a bill into law that is intended to protect consumers in Wisconsin from being gouged at the fuel pump.
Previously, the only anti-gouging rule in Wisconsin prohibited multiple mark-ups in a 24-hour period and charging people in line for fuel a new price posted while they’re waiting.
The new law prohibits selling consumers goods and services, such as food, medicine and fuel, at unreasonably high prices during an emergency declared by the governor.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will draft formulas to determine when prices become unreasonable. Violators will first be issued warnings, and then could face lawsuits seeking up to $10,000 in forfeitures and an injunction.
The new law, previously SB358, already is in effect.

5/10/06-The Legislature agreed on a bill last week that is intended to protect consumers from being gouged at the fuel pump.
Wisconsin currently does not have an anti-gouging rule. However, there are laws to prevent multiple mark-ups in a 24-hour period and charging people in line for fuel a new price posted while they’re waiting.
The compromise version would prohibit selling consumers goods and services, such as food, medicine, and fuel at unreasonably high prices during emergency declared by the governor.
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection would draft formulas to determine when prices become unreasonable. Violators would first be issued warnings, and then could face lawsuits seeking up to $10,000 in forfeitures and an injunction.
The Senate passed the measure on a 31-1 vote. The House followed up by approving it on a unanimous vote. The bill – SB358 – now heads to Gov. Jim Doyle, who is expected to sign it.
An earlier version dealt only with protections for consumers purchasing diesel and gasoline. It would have targeted prices that grossly exceed the amount charged on motor fuels within a three week time period.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

5/1/06-A bill in the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security, Military Affairs, Small Business and Government Reform Committee would prohibit selling consumers goods and services, such as food, medicine, and fuel at unreasonably high prices during emergency declared by the governor.
Wisconsin does not have an anti-gouging rule. However, there are laws to prevent multiple mark-ups in a 24-hour period.
Sponsored by Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, SB358 would allow the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to draft formulas to determine when prices become unreasonable. Violators would face lawsuits seeking up to $10,000 in forfeitures and an injunction.
For Senate bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.