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HB 2383

An Act amending the act of October 31, 2006 (P.L.1210, No.133), known as the Price Gouging Act, further providing for definitions; and providing for petroleum product price gouging prohibited.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bizzarro and 16 co-sponsors

The bill strengthens price gouging rules by prohibiting and punishing excessive petroleum product price increases during emergencies or shortages.

Referred to Commerce
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2383

Summary of HB 2383 (2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

HB 2383 amends the Pennsylvania Price Gouging Act (Act of Oct. 31, 2006, P.L.1210, No.133) to strengthen and expand the state’s authority to prevent price gouging, with a specific addition addressing petroleum products. The bill’s stated aim is to deter and penalize excessive or exploitative pricing during emergencies or periods of supply disruption, ensuring essential goods and services remain accessible to the public.

Key provisions and changes

  • Updated definitions: The bill revises definitions within the Price Gouging Act to clarify what constitutes price gouging and related conduct. This typically involves defining excessive or unconscionable price increases during emergency periods or in response to shortages, and may specify thresholds or criteria for determining gouging.

  • Petroleum product price gouging prohibition:

    • Establishes a prohibition on price gouging specifically for petroleum products (e.g., gasoline, diesel) during declared emergencies or supply disruptions.
    • Sets parameters for what constitutes unlawful pricing practices for petroleum products, potentially including caps, percentage increases, or other metrics to determine gouging.
    • Provides enforcement mechanisms and remedies for violations related to petroleum products.

  • Enforcement and remedies:

    • Outlines the roles of state agencies (likely the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Department of Banking and Securities, or the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, depending on the targeted market) in investigating and enforcing price gouging claims.
    • May specify civil penalties, fines, restitution, or injunctions for violators.
    • Authorizes administrative or civil actions and may include timelines for complaint processing and resolution.

  • Emergency declaration context:

    • Reinforces that protections apply during declared emergencies, as well as periods of shortage or supply disruption that trigger the statute.
    • May include procedures for agencies to publish guidance or provide consumer protections during emergencies.

  • Confidentiality and exemptions:

    • Could include provisions regarding public releases of information, confidentiality of certain pricing data, or exemptions for legitimate business practices (e.g., increased costs due to supply chain shocks not tied to gouging).

Who is affected

  • General consumers: Protection against unfairly inflated prices for essential goods and services during emergencies.
  • Petroleum product consumers: Specifically targeted protections for gasoline, diesel, and other fuels during emergencies or disruptions.
  • Petroleum suppliers and retailers: Entities involved in selling petroleum products, who would be subject to pricing scrutiny and potential penalties for gouging.
  • State and local regulators/enforcers: Agencies responsible for investigating claims, enforcing the act, and imposing penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral: As of 2026-04-15, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Commerce, indicating it will be reviewed, possibly amended, and advanced or stalled through committee proceedings.
  • Sponsor slate: Includes multiple co-sponsors, suggesting broad legislative support and an emphasis on consumer protection and market fairness.
  • Effective date: Not specified in the provided information; typically, enacted bills include an effective date (often upon enactment or a future date), and may include transitional provisions for enforcement.

Practical impact

  • The bill tightens the state’s authority to curb price gouging during emergencies, with a clear focus on petroleum products.
  • If enacted, consumers would have enhanced protections against sharp, unjustified price increases for fuels during emergencies.
  • Businesses selling petroleum products would face heightened scrutiny, potential penalties, and the need to ensure pricing practices comply with the updated standards.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on a specific stakeholder group (consumers, retailers, regulators) or drill down into potential penalties and enforcement mechanisms once the bill’s full text and committee amendments are available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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