Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025

# Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would establish federal laws to prevent "price gouging"—the practice of charging excessive prices for goods and services during emergencies or crises. If passed, it would give the government authority to regulate and penalize businesses that dramatically raise prices on essential items (such as food, fuel, or medical supplies) during declared emergencies like natural disasters, public health crises, or other situations where prices spike unfairly. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill would primarily affect businesses and consumers. Businesses that sell essential goods could face penalties if they're found to have increased prices excessively during emergencies.

Consumers would potentially benefit from price protections during crisis periods. The specific mechanisms—such as what price increases would be considered illegal, which emergencies trigger protections, and what penalties would apply—would be determined by the bill's detailed provisions. **Current Status** The bill (S 2321) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. As with most bills at this early stage, its passage is uncertain.