Legislation to Bring Down Costs, Prohibit Price Gouging on Essentials Passes Senate
HB25-1010 would save Coloradans money by cracking down on corporate price gouging during emergencies
DENVER, CO – A bill that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging on everyday necessities during a declared emergency passed the Senate today.
HB25-1010, sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, would prohibit price gouging of essentials like groceries, diapers, and sanitary products during a disaster and empower the Colorado Attorney General to create and enforce rules to ensure compliance.
“This bill is about putting public welfare and consumer protection ahead of corporate greed,” said Weissman. “Time and time again, we have seen bad actors use disasters as an excuse to raise prices on necessities and line their own pockets. It’s time for us to step in and ensure that Colorado families can purchase the things they need – like groceries and diapers – at prices they can afford during times of crisis.”
Under the bill, price gouging would be defined as a price increase of 10 percent or above the average cost of the product that is not attributable to seasonal pricing. Necessities would include goods and services essential for the health, safety, and welfare of the public like groceries and toiletries.
A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
HB25-1010 is one of several consumer protection bills that Senate Democrats have advanced in recent years, including a 2024 law to prevent price gouging on rent after a natural disaster and a 2021 law to limit price gouging of life-saving prescription drugs.
The bill now heads back to the House for consideration of amendments. Track its progress HERE.