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Senate committee favors HB528 to clarify 'services' in emergency price-gouging law
Summary
The Senate advanced HB528, which the sponsor said clarifies that certain repair and construction services (for example, tree removal and roofing) fall under the definition of "services" in the state's emergency price‑gouging statute.
The Senate advanced HB528 after the sponsor told the committee the bill clarifies the statutory definition of “services” for purposes of the unconscionable pricing provision that applies during declared emergencies.
Representative Hope Jones, the bill sponsor in committee, said HB528 is intended to reduce confusion about whether activities such as tree removal or roofing qualify as “services” under the state’s price‑gouging law. “This just gives further clarity to the definition of services,” Representative Hope Jones said.
During floor discussion, a senator asked for clarity on the bill’s definition of “entity.” Representative Hope Jones said she was not an attorney but expected the term would apply to business structures that provide the services, including corporations and individuals. A senator who spoke in support noted concerns that some people take advantage of disaster victims and said the bill would address that behavior.
Committee members adopted the measure by unanimous consent using the previous‑role procedure; no roll‑call tally was recorded on the transcript. The chair suggested consulting the state’s existing corporate/nonprofit definitions as a starting point for any later statutory cross‑reference.
The transcript records no amendments and no additional committee directions. The committee's favorable recommendation advances HB528 to the next stage of the legislative process.
