Stop Price Gouging in Grocery Stores Act of 2026

Protection from excessive pricing: The bill prohibits retail food store operators from selling items at a grossly excessive price, which helps prevent consumers from being overcharged (Section 2(a)).

Prevention of discriminatory pricing: By banning surveillance-based price setting, the bill prevents stores from changing prices for a consumer based on their personal information (Section 3(a)).

Transparency regarding technology use: Stores using facial recognition technology must provide clear and conspicuous signage at the main entrance to inform consumers of its use and purpose (Section 4(a)).

Consumer control over biometric data: Adults can choose to voluntarily verify their identity using biometric data, provided the store follows strict written disclosure and release requirements (Section 3(c)).

Empowerment through legal recourse: Consumers who are injured by violations of this act have the right to bring legal action to enjoin violations or seek monetary damages (Section 6(c)).

Restrictions on digital pricing tools: Retail food stores larger than 10,000 square feet are prohibited from using electronic shelf labels or digital price displays, requiring them to use non-digital presentations instead (Section 5(a)).

Burden of proof for price increases: To defend against a charge of price gouging, a store must demonstrate to the Commission that price increases were directly caused by additional costs outside of their control (Section 2(b)).