Bill > HB465

This bill prohibits retailers from using dynamic pricing (changing prices based on factors like demand, season, or consumer trends) for food items sold through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Foods Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The legislation is motivated by concerns about rising grocery costs in Hawaii, where residents spend over 17% of their household budget on food, compared to the national average of 12%, and nearly one in three households is food-insecure. Retailers who violate this prohibition will face significant financial penalties, including a civil fine of up to $5,000 per item per day and an administrative fine of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The bill defines dynamic pricing broadly, including artificial intelligence-enabled pricing adjustments, and aims to protect vulnerable consumers from price fluctuations that could make essential food items less affordable. The new law will take effect immediately upon approval and does not impact any existing rights, penalties, or proceedings that were in place before its enactment.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=465&year=2026