Price Gouging Bill Passes Minnesota House Judiciary Committee

Legislation prompted by price gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic is moving toward a Minnesota House vote after passing the Judiciary committee Thursday.  D-F-L Representative Zack Stephenson of Coon Rapids  says the bill establishes in statue protections against price gouging in the occurrence of an emergency.   G-O-P Representative Brian Johnson from Cambridge says, “It can actually hurt, especially small businesses and mom and pop shops that are trying to survive in hard times.”  The law would penalize retailers who charge an “unconsciously excessive price” for essential goods or services during public emergency situations.   Violators could face fines up to one thousand dollars per sale or transaction.