Bill > B26-0049

This bill, the Seasonal Pricing and Price Gouging Amendment Act of 2025, aims to update the District of Columbia's laws regarding price gouging and introduce new rules against stockpiling during emergencies. It redefines "normal retail price" for rental vehicles and hotel rooms to allow for seasonal pricing models, meaning prices can fluctuate based on demand during different times of the year, rather than being strictly tied to a 90-day pre-disaster average. The bill also clarifies that a "public emergency," which can be declared by the Mayor or federal government, is a trigger for prohibitions against price gouging, alongside natural disasters. Furthermore, it makes it illegal for individuals or businesses to hoard essential goods in quantities exceeding limits set by the Mayor or federal government during a declared emergency, particularly for items needed by first responders, to maintain supply chains, or subject to rationing. Violations of these provisions can result in civil fines, license suspension or revocation, and legal action brought by the Attorney General for the District of Columbia, who can seek penalties, economic damages, and legal costs.