Zokaie, Brown Bill Passes Committee to Crack Down on Price Gouging, Save Coloradans Money

DENVER, CO - The House Business Affairs & Labor Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives Yara Zokaie and Kyle Brown that would bring down costs for Coloradans by cracking down on corporate price gouging for everyday necessities like groceries and toiletries. “While parents are skipping meals to provide for their children and aging Coloradans are increasingly forced to choose between buying groceries and paying their rent, corporations are jacking up prices for food and other necessities to pad their pockets,” said Rep. Yara Zokaie, D-Fort Collins. “Inflation and supply chain disruptions have contributed to price increases, but reports suggest that bad actors use these factors as an excuse to further increase prices. As a mom to three boys, I am proud to sponsor this legislation to show Coloradans that their ability to afford everyday necessities is a far higher priority than corporate profits. With the threat of tariffs that would drastically drive up the cost of living, it is especially pressing that we pass this measure to protect consumers." 

“Despite inflation rates leveling out and the COVID-19 pandemic behind us, Coloradans continue to see price increases for food, toiletries, and other everyday necessities that their families need,” said Rep. Kyle Brown, D-Louisville. “Hardworking Coloradans are already struggling to juggle rising costs, yet bad actors conveniently hide behind market conditions and inflation to increase their profits. We are committed to making Colorado a more affordable place to live, which is why we’re bringing this bill to protect families from bad behavior.”

HB25-1010, which passed by a vote of 7-6, would prohibit price gouging of goods or services necessary for the health, safety, and welfare of Coloradans, like groceries and toiletries during an abnormal market disruption. In this bill, price gouging is defined as a price increase by 10 percent or above the average cost of the product or good within 90 days. The Colorado Attorney General or district attorneys would be able to hold violators accountable for price gouging.

A 2024 Federal Trade Commission report stated that the three largest grocers accelerated and distorted the negative effects associated with supply chain disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.