Alabama House Bill HB528

Alabama 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/25
• Refer: 4/3/25
• Report Pass: 4/9/25
• Refer: 5/1/25
• Report Pass: 5/6/25
• Enrolled: 5/7/25
• Passed: 5/14/25

Caption

Consumer protection, prohibition on unconscionable pricing during a declared emergency further provided for

Impact

If enacted, HB 528 would amend Section 8-31-3 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This change would reinforce legal protections against price gouging in emergency situations in Alabama, thereby aligning state law with consumer interests. The bill's provisions would potentially deter businesses from exploiting vulnerable consumers during times of crisis, which may help stabilize prices and ensure access to essential services and products when they are most needed.

Summary

House Bill 528 aims to enhance consumer protection by amending existing laws to prohibit unconscionable pricing during declared states of emergency in Alabama. The legislation focuses on ensuring that businesses cannot impose excessively high prices for essential goods, rentals, or services during emergencies, which are defined by proclamations from the Governor or joint resolutions from the Legislature. The bill seeks to safeguard consumers from price gouging practices that can arise during crises, potentially affecting various sectors including housing, food, and healthcare.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 528 appears to be largely positive, particularly among consumer advocacy groups and legislators who emphasize the necessity of protecting consumers during emergencies. Supporters of the bill argue that it is a crucial step toward fairness in the marketplace and social responsibility for businesses. However, there may be some concerns among business owners about the implications of regulatory measures on their pricing strategies during emergencies.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 528 lies in the definition and enforcement of 'unconscionable pricing'. Critics may argue about the ambiguity of what constitutes such pricing and the potential challenges in regulating it effectively. This includes concerns regarding how this law would be enforced, the potential impact on businesses, particularly small businesses, during emergencies and the subjective nature of 'unconscionable' price determinations.