Price Transparency Act.

This bill prohibits grocery stores in North Carolina from using automated systems to set individualized prices for specific customers and blocks mergers that could significantly reduce competition in the food retail sector. While it bans personalized pricing, the law allows for standard practices such as promotional discounts, location-based taxes, and special rates for groups like seniors or military personnel. Additionally, the legislation limits credit card surcharges to a maximum of two percent and requires the state Department of Justice to create a team that publishes quarterly reports on average prices for groceries and essential utilities. Enforcement of these rules will be supported by a recurring five million dollar appropriation to the Attorney General's office, with the act taking effect on October 1, 2026.