Assemblymember Brindisi Helps Protect Victims of Unfair Price Gouging

Legislation would allow victims to sue price gougers

May 7, 2013

Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) announced that he helped pass legislation that would grant victims of illegal price gouging during times of emergency the right to directly sue the responsible party (A.311).

“Price gouging during or following a natural disaster is an immoral practice that takes advantage of victims when they are most vulnerable,” Assemblymember Brindisi said. “Currently, victims of this practice are left practically powerless to seek justice on their own. This legislation would make sure that those dealing with the after-effects of a natural disaster have the opportunity to bring legal action on their own.”

Brindisi's legislation would allow for a minimum of $1,000 in damages and an additional discretionary award of up to $5,000 for willful violations.

Currently, only the state attorney general is allowed to bring legal action against those who price gouge. This legislation would leave the attorney general's powers intact, but also allow individuals to take matters into their own hands when they have fallen victim to unfair price gouging during emergencies.

Previously, Assemblymember Brindisi also sponsored legislation to curb unfair gas price gouging (A.2290). With Mohawk Valley families paying some of the highest gas prices in the state, this legislation is part of Assemblymember Brindisi’s ongoing effort to fight unfair price gouging and protect consumers from predatory merchants.

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