Connecticut committee passes price gouging bill

Hartford (AP) — A bill that aims to protect Connecticut consumers by prohibiting price gouging during severe storms and other weather emergencies has passed its second committee vote in the state legislature.

Members of the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee voted 30-to-10 in favor of the bill Tuesday.

The bill would prohibit individuals from excessively hiking up the prices of products and services during severe weather events. It would expand on current law which prohibits price gouging under civil preparedness and supply emergencies.

While proponents of the measure said the measure will help protect consumers, opponents have raised concerns over what would constitute price gouging, under the bill.

If passed in the state legislature, the bill would immediately go into effect.

The state's General Law Committee passed the bill in February.