The bill amends the Business & Commerce Code to enhance the jurisdiction of county attorneys in prosecuting deceptive trade practices related to price gouging during declared disasters. Specifically, it introduces a new provision that grants county attorneys concurrent jurisdiction with the attorney general to prosecute actions under Section 17.46(b)(27), which pertains to price gouging. Additionally, the bill clarifies that county attorneys are not required to seek permission from the consumer protection division to prosecute violations of this section, provided they give prior written notice as required by existing law.

Furthermore, the bill modifies Section 17.48(d) to ensure that the same exemption from seeking permission applies to violations of Section 17.46(b)(27). The changes made by this Act will only apply to causes of action that accrue on or after its effective date, while those that arise before will continue to be governed by the previous law. The Act will take effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote from both houses; otherwise, it will take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Commerce Code 17.4625, Commerce Code 17.48 (Commerce Code 17)