Bill
HB 1504
Prohibits retailers from price gouging on essential goods and services during emergencies by capping increases and enforcing penalties.
HB 1504 (New Hampshire, 2026) – Prohibiting Retailers from Engaging in Price Gouging on Certain Necessary Products and Services
Overview
- Purpose: The bill aims to prohibit retailers from price gouging on designated necessary products and services during periods of declared emergencies or specific exigent circumstances, with the goal of protecting consumers from excessive price increases for essential items.
Key Provisions (as described by bill text and typical price gouging statutes)
- Prohibited Conduct: Retailers may be barred from charging price increases above a defined threshold for specified essential goods and services during the covered period. The bill would establish what constitutes “price gouging” in the context of the covered items and circumstances.
- Covered Items and Services: The bill references “certain necessary products and services,” which typically include items such as food, water, medicines, medical supplies, fuel, shelter-related goods, and other essentials. The exact list of items and categories would be specified in the statute or regulatory definitions accompanying the bill.
- Trigger for Application: The price gouging restrictions would apply during declared emergencies, disasters, or periods of supply disruption as defined by state law. The bill may specify that the restrictions come into effect upon an official declaration or upon evidence of a supply shortage.
- Price Thresholds and Calculations: The bill would set permissible pricing ranges or caps, or require that price increases be reasonable and justified compared to baseline pre-emergency pricing. Methods for calculating permissible price levels (e.g., comparison to average prices prior to the emergency) would be described.
- Penalties and Enforcement: Violations could be subject to penalties such as fines, civil enforcement actions, or injunctive relief. The bill would designate enforcement authorities (likely state Attorney General or consumer protection agencies) and potential remedies, including restitution to consumers.
- Exemptions and Defenses: Potential exemptions (e.g., reasonable handling costs, transportation costs, perishable goods considerations) and possible defenses for retailers (e.g., inadvertent pricing errors, typical market fluctuations) may be provided.
- Temporary vs. Permanent: The measures are typically temporary, tied to the duration of the declared emergency or the specific shortage, with sunset provisions or reauthorization requirements.
Who Would Be Affected
- Retailers: Businesses selling essential goods and services within New Hampshire would be subject to price gouging prohibitions during covered periods.
- Consumers: Households and individuals in the state would benefit from protections against excessive price increases on essential items during emergencies.
- Government and Agencies: State consumer protection or prosecutorial agencies would enforce the law, investigate complaints, and pursue penalties for violations.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduced: January 7, 2026
- Referral: Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- Public Hearing: January 29, 2026
- Full Committee Work Session: February 18, 2026
- Committee Report: Inexpedient to Legislate (03/03/2026) with a 14-0 vote
- Floor Action: The action history shows the bill was deemed "Inexpedient to Legislate" by the committee and later by the legislative body in March 2026, leading to an unlikely advancement toward enactment in its current form.
- Current Status: The committee reported the bill as inexpedient to legislate, which typically means it would not proceed to a floor vote unless revived or amended.
Sponsor Information
- Co-sponsors: Rosemarie Rung, Alexis Simpson, Dan Veilleux, Laura Telerski, Rebecca Perkins Kwoka, Toni Weinstein
Notes
- The action history indicates the bill did not advance beyond the committee stage, with an “Inexpedient to Legislate” determination in March 2026. If policymakers or advocates wish to pursue price gouging protections, they may consider revisions or different legislative vehicles to address concerns about emergencies and essential goods pricing.
- Specific definitions (which items are covered, the exact price increase threshold, and enforcement details) are not provided in the summary; the final text would specify these elements.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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