Montana

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3/27/07-A bill has died that was intended to prevent price gouging in the state during state or federal emergencies after wildfires and other disasters.
Sponsored by Sen. David Wanzenried, D-Missoula, SB67 was tabled in the House Judiciary Committee, effectively killing it for the year. The issue, which the Senate previously approved, can be brought back for consideration during the next regular session in 2009.
The protections would have applied to retail sales of goods and services, including fuel.
The bill would have made it illegal for retailers to increase prices more than 10 percent above their costs after emergency declarations.
Individuals found in violation would have faced up to $2,500 fines and six months in jail, per occurrence. Businesses could have been fined up to $20,000, per occurrence.

3/6/07-A bill in the House Judiciary Committee is intended to prevent price gouging in the state during state or federal emergencies following wildfires and other disasters. The Senate already approved it.
Sponsored by Sen. David Wanzenried, D-Missoula, SB67 is intended to prevent price gouging during state or federal emergencies following wildfires and other disasters in the state. The protections would apply to retail sales of goods and services, including fuel.
The bill would make it illegal for retailers to increase prices more than 10 percent above their costs after emergency declarations.
Individuals found in violation would face up to $2,500 fines and six months in jail, per occurrence. Businesses could be fined up to $20,000, per occurrence.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.

2/13/07-The Senate voted 26-24 to advance a bill to the House that is intended to prevent price gouging in the state during state or federal emergencies following wildfires and other disasters.
Sponsored by Sen. David Wanzenried, D-Missoula, SB67 is intended to prevent price gouging during state or federal emergencies following wildfires and other disasters in the state. The protections would apply to retail sales of goods and services, including fuel.
The bill would make it illegal for retailers to increase prices more than 10 percent above their costs after emergency declarations.
Individuals found in violation would face up to $2,500 fines and six months in jail, per occurrence. Businesses could be fined up to $20,000, per occurrence.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.

1/25/07-The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-5 Tuesday, Jan. 23, to approve a bill that is intended to prevent price gouging in the state during state or federal emergencies following wildfires and other disasters. The protections would apply to retails sales of goods and services, including fuel.
The current version doesn't include protections for occurrences outside the state.
Sponsored by Sen. David Wanzenried, D-Missoula, SB67 would make it illegal for retailers to increase prices more than 20 percent above their costs after emergency declarations.
Individuals found in violation would face up to a $1,000 fine, per occurrence. A maximum penalty of $25,000 would be applied for violations that last the duration of the event.
The bill has been sent to the Senate floor for further consideration.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.

1/17/07-A bill in the Senate Judiciary Committee is intended to prevent price gouging in the state during state or federal emergencies following wildfires and other disasters. The protections would apply to retail sales of goods and services, including fuel.
Sponsored by Sen. David Wanzenried, D-Missoula, SB67 would make it illegal for retailers to increase prices more than 10 percent above their costs after emergency declarations.
Individuals found in violation would face up to $2,500 fines and six months in jail, per occurrence. Businesses could be fined up to $20,000, per occurrence.
For bill status, call (406) 444-4800.