District of ColumbiaB26-0049Council Period 26 (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

Seasonal Pricing and Price Gouging Amendment Act of 2025

Sponsored By: Phil Mendelson (Democratic)

Became Law

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

No hoarding essential goods in emergencies

During a declared emergency, you may not buy more of certain essential goods than the limit set by the Mayor or the federal government. This applies when goods are needed for first responders, to keep supply chains running, or are rationed. The rule helps keep supplies available for everyone.

Seasonal limits for rentals and hotels

Beginning January 1, 2027, rental car prices in emergencies are capped at 110% of the same week last year. Hotel rooms at 95%+ occupancy are capped at 110% of the same week in the most recent 95% year.

When this DC law takes effect

The law takes effect after the Mayor approves it or the Council overrides a veto, and after a 30‑day congressional review under the Home Rule Act. Other rules in the law start only after these steps are complete.

Stronger penalties for gouging and hoarding

Violations are civil infractions. The Mayor can fine up to $1,000 per violation. The Attorney General can sue to stop violations and get restitution, without posting a bond. Courts can add $1,000 to $10,000 per violation, plus economic damages and legal costs. The Mayor may also suspend, limit, or revoke a business’s license or permit.

Emergency price caps for DC shoppers

During a declared natural disaster or public emergency, like fires, floods, or storms, overcharging is illegal. The cap is usually 10% above the DC price in the prior 90 days. If a seller had no DC sales then, its price cap is 150% of the price it paid to the maker or distributor. The rules cover household items, medical supplies, and other essential services. The Mayor can declare these emergencies within 48 hours, for up to 30 days. The notice must be published in the DC Register and two daily newspapers. Sellers may raise prices only when higher supplier, labor, or material costs directly cause the increase.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Phil Mendelson
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 25 • No: 0

House vote • 3/31/2026

Final Reading, CC

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote • 2/3/2026

First Reading, CC

Yes: 12 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

Returned from Mayor
4/23/2026House
Signed by the Mayor and Enacted with Act Number A26-0298
4/22/2026House
Transmitted to Mayor, Response Due on Apr 28, 2026
4/13/2026House
Legislative Meeting
3/31/2026House
Committee Report Filed by the Committee of the Whole
3/27/2026House
Legislative Meeting
3/3/2026House
Legislative Meeting
2/3/2026House
Committee Mark-up of B26-0049 by the Committee of the Whole
2/3/2026House
Notice of Mark-up filed in the Office of Secretary
1/30/2026House
Public Hearing on B26-0049 View Public Hearing Record
11/19/2025House
Notice of Public Hearing Published in the District of Columbia Register
10/24/2025House
Notice of Public Hearing filed in the Office of Secretary by Committee of the Whole
10/15/2025House
Notice of Intent to Act on B26-0049 Published in the District of Columbia Register
1/24/2025House
Referred to Committee of the Whole
1/21/2025House
B26-0049 Introduced by Chairman Mendelson at Office of the Secretary
1/13/2025House

Bill Text

Enrollment
3/31/2026
PDF
Engrossment
2/3/2026
PDF
Introduced
1/13/2025
PDF

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation