Bill > SB1322

This bill establishes new regulations in Arizona concerning price gouging during abnormal market disruptions, which are defined as events like natural disasters, energy shortages, strikes, civil disorder, war, or any situation causing the governor to declare a state of emergency, or when the health director determines food and energy prices have significantly increased. During such disruptions, businesses involved in the distribution chain of essential goods and services, such as food, water, diapers, feminine hygiene products, prescription drugs, utilities, and gasoline, are prohibited from increasing prices by 15% or more compared to their prices 60 days prior to the disruption. This price increase is presumed to be unfair, but sellers can rebut this by showing their own costs increased by at least 10%. The Attorney General is tasked with enforcing these provisions, with violations classified as misdemeanors and potentially leading to injunctions, treble damages for injured consumers, and referral to licensing boards for businesses with licenses. Consumers also have a private right of action to sue for damages, with higher penalties for those over 60, and the bill explicitly allows local governments to enact stricter price control ordinances.

Government Affairs

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/84860