13 States already govern markets during emergencies.
Price Gouging Law and Legal Definition. At least 13 states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia — have enacted statutes to deal with price gouging in the event a state of emergency is declared.
They are fools for having done so. When Katrina/Rita came through in 2005, Louisiana was facing an epic gasoline shortage. Have you tried to rebuild from a hurricane without fuel for generators, chain saws, or vehicles? Instantly the "gougers" sprang into action and victimized these poor people by bringing them needed fuel. Oh, I mean ripped them off by charging $5 and even $8 per gallon. Now-- which would you rather have: no gasoline or expensive gasoline? Because those are your only choices here. The "normal" supply chain is broken. You're not going to have available AND the same price. It can't happen.
So the ignorant politicians pass law to "protect" those suffering a tragedy. IN reality, they are hurting them because now they simply won't have anybody show up to alleviate their suffering, lest they be prosecuted.