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 person's license if permitted by law.

Additionally, the bill outlines a process for subsequent actions against the same individual, requiring further notification to licensing authorities if a second successful action occurs. This ensures that individuals who repeatedly engage in price gouging face consequences that include the loss of their business licenses, thereby reinforcing consumer protection during emergencies. The act is set to take effect 91 days after the conclusion of the legislative session.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: ()