AL HB178

Amends the Alabama Unconscionable Pricing Act to allow the Governor or Legislature to specify affected areas and time periods for unconscionable pricing prohibitions within emergency proclamations or joint resolutions.

Makes it unlawful for any person to impose unconscionable prices for sale or rental of commodities or rental facilities during declared states of emergency in specified areas and time periods.

Establishes prima facie evidence of unconscionable pricing when a person charges a price exceeding by 25 percent or more the average price for the same or similar commodity in the affected area during the 30 days immediately prior to the emergency declaration, unless the increase is attributable to reasonable costs.

Defines "affected area" as any area specified in a Governor's proclamation or Legislature's joint resolution issued pursuant to Section 31-9-8(a).

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.