Bill Overview
Title: Disaster and Emergency Pricing Abuse Prevention Act
Description: This bill makes it unlawful to sell, or offer for sale, an essential good or service at an unconscionably excessive price during, or in anticipation of, a natural disaster, pandemic, or state of emergency.
Sponsors: Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
Target Audience
Population: People in need of essential goods or services during emergencies
Estimated Size: 334000000
- Natural disasters, pandemics, and states of emergency affect populations globally, so this bill has worldwide relevance.
- Virtually everyone needs essential goods and services to survive during emergencies.
- During emergencies, essential goods such as food, water, medical supplies, fuel, housing, and transportation services become crucial.
- Price gouging during emergencies primarily affects the most vulnerable who cannot afford surging prices.
Reasoning
- The policy is expected to have a direct positive impact on those living in disaster-prone areas, especially low-income populations who are more vulnerable to price gouging.
- The budget allows for significant enforcement and awareness campaigns, though its practical impact may vary based on state and local implementation efficacy.
- Certain populations, such as rural or isolated communities, might see a delayed impact due to logistical challenges in enforcement.
- While the policy's potential reach is vast, the immediate direct effects might concentrate on recurring disaster zones, where price gouging historically occurs.
- Non-impacted populations may still report psychological well-being improvements due to increased perceived protection during emergencies.
- It's important to simulate diverse perspectives from across the US to capture variations in policy perception.
Simulated Interviews
Hotel Manager (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a lifesaver. Being in the hospitality industry, I've seen tourists and residents alike suffer from price hikes during hurricanes.
- It gives me relief to know that my community won't be taken advantage of in desperate times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Emergency Medical Technician (Miami, FL)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- During COVID, we saw PPE prices skyrocket. This policy would help ensure we can afford essentials to do our jobs.
- It's comforting to think about future emergencies being less financially stressful.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
School Teacher (Austin, TX)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My students and their families often can't afford sudden price changes. This law could be a huge relief to many.
- I am hopeful, but I wonder how well it will be enforced.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It sounds like a good policy, but personally, I haven't been affected much by such issues.
- I think it's great that this protects more vulnerable communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Farmer (Rural Wyoming)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- In rural areas, price changes aren't usually swayed by emergencies unless they're really big ones.
- If it does affect us, it might be a good thing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy is a step towards economic justice in emergencies, ensuring essentials are accessible to all.
- It's promising, but vigilance is needed to maintain pressure on implementation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Nurse (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With the right application, this policy could ensure our hospitals have what we need without breaking the bank during crises.
- I'm cautiously optimistic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Retail Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial that this doesn't adversely affect small businesses like mine who strive to follow the rules.
- I support it, provided there's clear guidance and support for compliance.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Insurance Broker (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If well-enforced, this policy could alleviate many issues post-disaster when people are struggling.
- There's hope it will make aftermath situations less chaotic for residents.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Logistics Coordinator (Dallas, TX)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy might ensure fair distribution practices during crises, which is essential in my line of work.
- Its effectiveness will depend on its practical enforceability.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $30000000, High: $80000000)
Year 2: $45000000 (Low: $28000000, High: $75000000)
Year 3: $41000000 (Low: $27000000, High: $70000000)
Year 5: $39000000 (Low: $25000000, High: $60000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- Effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms is crucial to the success of this policy.
- Potential for resistance from businesses may arise, leading to lobbying and legal challenges.
- Consumer behavior variations during emergencies can be unpredictable and may affect the policy's impact.