Senate Bills 1041-1043 pass Senate, continue Senate Democrats’ plan to provide cost relief for Michigan families
LANSING, Mich. (June 25, 2026) — Today, Senate Democrats passed a slate of bold policies within Michigan Senate Democrats’ A Michigan You Can Afford agenda, working to protect consumers against predatory business tactics. Senate Bills 1041–1043, sponsored by Sens. Jeremy Moss (D-Bloomfield), Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), and Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford Twp.), would safeguard Michigan consumers from price gouging during an issued state of emergency.
“Michiganders are already being squeezed by the record-high cost of living and bad decisions coming out of Washington, D.C. — we must prevent corporations from taking advantage of your worst moments and unfairly draining your pockets,” said Sen. Moss. “I’m determined to advance these critical consumer protections and provide relief to Michigan families from rising costs.”
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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 worry during an emergency if they can afford food, water, or other essential items they need to get by,” said Sen. Chang, sponsor of Senate Bill 1042. “This legislation not only would provide much-needed protection against blatant exploitation during a time of vulnerability, but would allow Michiganders to focus on what matters most — keeping themselves and their loved ones safe.”
Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia have explicit prohibitions on price gouging during a state of emergency. Michigan’s price gouging law is the only statute in the country without the provision regarding emergencies, thus lacking the legal authority to go after bad actors when a crisis strikes.
“This important package of bills is about taking a stand against greedy corporations that are deliberately choosing to exploit Michiganders during times of need, all in the name of profit,” said Sen. Cavanagh, sponsor of Senate Bill 1043. “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection, I’ll continue doing everything in my power to crack down on unethical price gouging and to lower costs on the everyday essentials that Michiganders rely on.”
This legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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