AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL LAW -- GENERAL REGULATORY PROVISIONS -- PRICE GOUGING OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS PROHIBITED

HB 5126 prohibits price gouging for "vital drugs" (medications treating serious or life-threatening conditions with no alternative supply) during declared market shortages or emergencies. It makes it a felony to charge unreasonably excessive prices - defined as a gross disparity from pre-shortage average prices - to take unfair advantage of supply shortages. Sellers face up to five years in prison or a $10,000 fine for violations, with penalties applying daily for ongoing offenses. The law excludes normal market price fluctuations and requires the attorney general to assess pricing based on pre-shortage rates and cost factors. It applies only during governor- or president-declared emergencies for six months max.