SB 6415-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Finds that consumers are vulnerable to price gouging or clearly excessive pricing during times of abnormal market conditions caused by significant disruptions, emergencies, or disasters.

     Declares that excessive and unjustified increases in retail prices charged during abnormal market conditions as defined in this act should be prohibited and made subject to civil remedies.

     Declares that in addition to the powers in chapters 43.06 and 38.52 RCW for the governor to make disaster or emergency proclamations, for purposes of triggering the provisions in this act, the governor is also hereby empowered to make and to rescind a proclamation of an abnormal market condition as defined in this act.

     Provides that, upon the proclamation by the governor under chapters 43.06 and 38.52 RCW or this act of an abnormal market condition, and for a period of thirty days following the proclamation, or a lesser time period if the proclamation is rescinded, it is unlawful for any person to sell or offer to sell at retail any essential consumer good or service within the area designated in the proclamation at a clearly excessive increase in price above the price charged by that person for such goods or services immediately prior to the proclamation as specified in this act.