Price gouging: not in my state.

• Position: TRENDS AND TRANSITIONS - Brief Article

In the wake of the Gulf Coast hurricanes, over 40 bills aimed at protecting citizens from price gouging schemes were introduced in at least 13 legislatures.

Three states--Louisiana, Tennessee and Virginia--passed amendments in 2005 that prohibit unreasonable price increases in consumer commodities during a natural emergency. All three already had laws on the books as do Florida, Guam, Indiana, North Carolina and South Carolina.

There are 29 bills still alive that may be considered in the 2006 session. Some examples--Delaware lawmakers are looking at a measure that makes price gouging during and within 30 days after a state...