New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a new price gouging law today, expanding New York's authority to go after price gougers in the state. The new law expands price gouging protection beyond consumer goods, so that it now protects any products or services that are vital or necessary to the health, safety, and welfare of consumers or the general public. The new law extends protection to businesses, hospitals, health care providers, and the State of New York. The law will also protect a broader scope of products and services — including medical supplies and equipment, such as ventilators.
The law, which was passed by the state legislature last week, was sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.
In a statement, Governor Cuomo said, "By banning price gouging on personal protective equipment, we are helping to ensure our health care workers — who have been working tirelessly to save lives at great personal danger to themselves — and the public have access to these supplies, while holding these unscrupulous retailers accountable for attempting to capitalize on the fear of others.”
Attorney General Letitia James said, "We applaud Governor Cuomo for signing this bill into law, and Senator Hoylman and Assemblywoman Rozic for their support and partnership in passing this important legislation so that our office can continue its work protecting New Yorkers."