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HB 2283

emergencies; price regulations; unlawful practices

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Anna Abeytia and 13 co-sponsors

HB 2283 allows Arizona to impose emergency price controls on goods and services during declared crises to prevent price gouging.

House Second Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2283

Legislative bill overview

HB 2283 authorizes the state to impose price controls on goods and services during declared emergencies to prevent price gouging and unlawful pricing practices. The bill establishes regulatory mechanisms allowing the government to set maximum allowable prices for essential commodities when emergency conditions threaten public welfare.

Why is this important

Price gouging during emergencies—such as natural disasters, pandemics, or supply disruptions—can create severe hardship for vulnerable populations who need essential goods at inflated costs. This legislation attempts to balance market protection with consumer welfare during acute crises when normal market competition may fail to protect consumers.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic efficiency concerns: Price controls can discourage supply increases and production during emergencies, potentially worsening shortages rather than alleviating them
  • Implementation challenges: Determining fair maximum prices, enforcing compliance across businesses, and defining what constitutes an "emergency" requires significant administrative resources and creates potential for political manipulation
  • Business impact: Retailers and suppliers operating on thin margins may face reduced incentives to stock or distribute goods during crises, or may challenge the constitutionality of uncompensated profit limitations
  • Definition precision: The bill's specific criteria for when price regulation triggers and which goods qualify remain unclear from the basic description

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

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