# Plain Language Summary: Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025

This bill aims to prevent businesses from dramatically raising prices on essential goods and services during emergencies or times of crisis. The law would make it illegal for sellers to charge "unconscionable" prices—meaning prices that are shockingly high and exploitative—when people are most vulnerable and have limited options to shop elsewhere.

The bill would apply during declared emergencies, natural disasters, or other crisis situations when normal market conditions break down. For example, if a hurricane hits and supplies become scarce, a store couldn't suddenly charge $50 for a gallon of water or $200 for a basic first aid kit just because desperate customers have nowhere else to go. The law would allow reasonable price increases to cover higher costs of doing business during emergencies, but would crack down on extreme markups that take advantage of people's desperation.

Violations could result in significant penalties, and the law likely gives state attorneys general and federal agencies the power to investigate complaints and take action against businesses that violate it. This protects everyday consumers—especially lower-income families—from being financially devastated when they're trying to buy necessities during crises. However, businesses argue that some price flexibility is necessary during emergencies to encourage supply and manage demand, so the exact details of what counts as "unconscionable" pricing would be important in how this law actually works in practice.