HB 1496 -- Price Gouging

Sponsor:  Bruns

This bill prohibits a person from charging excessive prices for
necessities during emergencies.  An excessive price is one that
exceeds the person's retail price prior to the emergency by 10%
or more.

An affirmative defense is available if a person can prove that
the excessive price is due to either an increase in the cost to
the person or that the increase is not within the person's
control.

A person who engages in price gouging is liable for three times
the amount unfairly received for each transaction.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated October 15, 2008 at 3:10 pm