SB 955 Summary

• Prohibits charging excessively increased prices (more than 10% above pre-emergency levels) for building materials, consumer food items, emergency supplies, and medical supplies during a declared state of emergency, with exceptions for increased costs to bring items to market or extraordinary pre-emergency discounts.

• Authorizes the attorney general and local prosecutors to investigate violations through written demands for testimony and documents, with court enforcement powers and confidentiality requirements.

• Establishes civil remedies allowing the attorney general to bring class actions for actual damages or $100 per person (whichever is greater) and permits states and political subdivisions to recover actual damages plus up to triple damages if violations are flagrant.

• Creates criminal penalties for intentional violations: up to 1 year imprisonment or $10,000 fine for individuals; up to $1,000,000 fine for other persons.

• Takes effect only if Senate Bills 954 and 956 from the 102nd Legislature are also enacted.