The bill, H.B. No. 270, introduces new provisions to the Business & Commerce Code regarding the revocation of licenses for individuals found guilty of price gouging during a declared disaster. It adds Section 17.4626, which defines "license" and "licensing authority," specifying that the Texas Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation are responsible for overseeing these licenses. The bill mandates that within 30 days of a successful legal action against a person for price gouging, the attorney general or appropriate court must notify the relevant licensing authority, which is then required to revoke the individual's license if permitted by law.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if a person is found guilty in a second legal action for the same offense, the licensing authority must again be notified and revoke any licenses held by that individual. This legislative measure aims to enhance consumer protection during emergencies by ensuring that those who exploit disaster situations through price gouging face significant consequences, including the loss of their business licenses. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

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