(Des Moines)– President Obama’s authorization yesterday (Thurs.) of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration has triggered Iowa’s anti-price gouging rule for the declared counties.
Attorney General Tom Miller announced today (Fri.) the anti-price gouging rule is now in effect for Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas and Sac counties.
Iowa Administrative Rules describe the practice as raising prices unreasonably above the price at which the merchandise or service was sold in the usual course of business immediately prior to the onset of the emergency.
The price-gouging rule was adopted in the wake of the 1993 floods. It covers but is not limited to water, food, medicines, sanitation supplies, utilities, lodging, and materials, goods or services for cleanup or repair.
Complaints about possible price-gouging may be made to the Attorney General’s Office by calling (515) 281-5926. More information can be found online at www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov.
