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SB 2346

Relating to the jurisdiction of county attorneys to prosecute the deceptive trade practice of price gouging during a declared disaster.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Carol Alvarado

Grants Texas county attorneys direct authority to prosecute price gouging during disasters, enabling faster local enforcement of deceptive trade practices alongside state oversight.

Referred to State Affairs
#business&commerce--general(i0050) #business&commerce--tradepractices(i0006) #consumerprotection(i0080) #courts--county&statutory(i0115) #courts--prosecutingattorneys(i0165)
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Bill Summary · SB 2346

Legislative bill overview

SB 2346 expands the prosecutorial authority of county attorneys in Texas to directly pursue price gouging cases during declared disasters, rather than limiting such enforcement to the state attorney general. The bill classifies price gouging as a deceptive trade practice and grants counties concurrent jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute these violations within their respective territories.

Why is this important

Price gouging during disasters—when essential goods and services spike dramatically in cost—can severely harm vulnerable populations unable to afford necessities. Currently, enforcement may rely solely on state-level action, which can be slower and resource-constrained. Enabling county-level prosecution could accelerate enforcement, deter illegal price increases faster, and provide more localized accountability during critical emergency periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: The bill may lack precise thresholds defining what constitutes illegal price gouging versus legitimate market-driven price increases, creating potential ambiguity in enforcement and legal challenges.
  • Business compliance concerns: Retailers and service providers may argue the expanded prosecution authority creates uncertainty about pricing decisions during emergencies and could lead to inconsistent enforcement across counties.
  • Resource burden: County attorneys already manage heavy caseloads; adding price gouging prosecution during disasters may strain limited prosecutorial resources unless accompanied by funding allocations.

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

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