DE SB253

Establishes price gouging protections during the COVID-19 recovery period, defined as 61 days following termination of the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Prohibits entities from engaging in price gouging, defined as price increases exceeding 10% above pre-emergency baseline prices, unless increases are attributable to additional costs on the seller.

Creates prima facie evidence of price gouging when prices increase more than 10% without corresponding increases in seller costs.

Allows the Governor to issue orders modifying protections to be less restrictive or suspending them based on market conditions, while maintaining statutory protections as the ceiling for enforcement.

Sunset provision terminates Sections 1 and 2 on the 61st day following COVID-19 state of emergency termination, though Section 3 allows continued enforcement of violations occurring during the protection period.