Alabama House Bill HB178

Alabama 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Report Pass: 4/5/23

Caption

Related to the Alabama Unconscionable Pricing Act; to amend Sections 8-31-3 and 8-31-4, Code of Alabama 1975 to authorize the Governor or the Legislature to specify the affected areas and time periods to which the prohibition against imposition of unconscionable pricing would apply.

Impact

By permitting the specification of affected areas and time periods, HB178 aims to enhance the flexibility and responsiveness of state legal protections against unconscionable pricing during emergencies. This could result in a more targeted approach to consumer protection, ensuring that state resources can be effectively allocated in times of crisis, helping to maintain fair pricing in areas heavily impacted by emergencies.

Summary

House Bill 178 addresses the issue of pricing during states of emergency by amending the Alabama Unconscionable Pricing Act. Specifically, it allows the Governor or the Legislature the authority to designate specific areas and time periods in which the prohibition against imposing unconscionable prices applies. The bill is designed to prevent price gouging during emergencies, thereby protecting consumers from exorbitant charges for essential goods and services when they are most vulnerable.

Contention

Notably, the bill could bring about varying interpretations of what constitutes 'unconscionable pricing' and may lead to debates about the powers vested in the Governor versus the Legislature during emergencies. Concerns may arise regarding potential abuse of these powers, as critics may fear that designating certain time periods and areas could lead to insufficient protections for consumers in less prioritized regions. Ultimately, the bill's implementation and its effectiveness will depend on how these provisions are enacted and enforced in practice.