Senate Bills 1041-1043 protect Michigan consumers from overpaying for essential goods and services during emergencies
LANSING, Mich. (June 17, 2026) — Today, Sens. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.) introduced a robust bill package as part of Michigan Senate Democrats’ A Michigan You Can Afford agenda, working to protect consumers against predatory business tactics. Senate Bills 1041–1043 would safeguard Michigan consumers from price gouging during an issued state of emergency.
“We must hold unscrupulous businesses accountable when they prey on vulnerable people, especially during a crisis or state of emergency. No one should be profiting off human misery,” said Sen. Moss. “We are working to strengthen our state’s price gouging law to go after bad actors who jack up the cost of essential supplies and goods when people need them the most. Michigan must join the 39 other states that already have these consumer protections in place.”
This legislation is similar to a bill package passed by the Michigan Senate last term. More specifically, these bills would:
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(Senate Bill 1041) Ensure residents cannot be charged excessive prices for housing during or shortly after a state of emergency is declared, safeguarding consumers from extreme pricing of hotels and other lodging during emergencies;
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(Senate Bill 1042) Protect the price of essential goods and services during or shortly after the event of an emergency, keeping emergency supplies and medical supplies accessible and affordable amid a crisis; and
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(Senate Bill 1043) Combat excessive pricing on energy products and services during or shortly after market disruptions, preventing utility overcharges.
“No one should have to pay hundreds of dollars for food, water, first-aid supplies, or any other essentials during an emergency,” said Sen. Chang. “Michiganders are unfortunately all too familiar with extreme weather events and unexpected emergencies. This legislation is a commonsense step to shield our residents from cruel business practices designed to profit at the expense of vulnerable people — especially when the cost of gas, groceries, and medication are already at a record high.”
“No one should be priced out of keeping the lights on, filling up their car, or heating their home — especially during emergencies or times of economic instability like we are seeing right now,” said Sen. Cavanagh. “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, I’m proud to champion this legislation that holds corporations accountable for energy price gouging during market disruptions — ensuring residents of Detroit and Redford and all Michiganders around our state have access to affordable, reliable energy when they need it most.”
This bill package would also allow the Attorney General and local prosecutors to investigate and act against those suspected of price gouging. If someone refuses to cooperate, legal steps can be taken to ensure compliance. Additionally, the Attorney General would have the ability to file lawsuits to recover damages for Michigan residents affected by unfair price gouging practices.
“When disaster strikes, the true measure of a community is whether we look out for one another or look for ways to profit from another’s hardship,” said state Rep. Jason Hoskins (D-Southfield), who is leading these efforts in the State House. “Price gouging turns moments of hardship and uncertainty into opportunities for exploitation, forcing families to pay more for the very necessities they cannot live without. This legislation draws a clear line: in Michigan, emergencies are not a license to prey on consumers.”
“The MRLA supports Senate Bill 1041 because it establishes a responsible framework to protect the overwhelming majority of responsible hotel operators across Michigan while disincentivizing the rare bad seed from tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of the industry,” said Jack Trebtoske, Director of Government Affairs at the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We thank Sen. Moss for his leadership and for encouraging open dialogue and an inclusive process designed to create real reform while avoiding unintended results.”
This legislation now heads to the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection for further consideration. Learn more about Senate Democrats’ A Michigan You Can Afford agenda here.
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