Oklahoma’s Emergency Price Stabilization Act in Effect After Storms

Oklahoma’s Emergency Price Stabilization Act is now in effect for 35 Oklahoma counties after Gov. Mary Fallin declared a state of emergency due to severe storms, straight line winds and flooding that began on May 29, the state’s attorney general announced.

The counties included in the declaration are: Alfalfa, Blaine, Bryan, Caddo, Canadian, Cleveland, Comanche, Cotton, Creek, Custer, Dewey, Ellis, Garfield, Garvin, Grady, Grant, Harper, Kingfisher, Kiowa, Latimer, Lincoln, Logan, Love, Major, McClain, Oklahoma, Okmulgee, Pittsburg, Pottawatomie, Stephens, Tillman, Tulsa, Washita, Woods, and Woodward.

Attorney General Scott Pruitt said Oklahoma’s price gouging statute prohibits an increase of more than 10 percent in the price of most goods and services when a state of emergency has been declared.

“The severe storms that crossed the state on Tuesday left behind massive damage to personal and business property that will need to be repaired. The overwhelming majority of Oklahomans are focused on helping their neighbors in the aftermath, but we have seen a few cases of price gouging and fraudulent claims in the past, so consumers need to be aware,” Pruitt said.

The price gouging statute was adopted following tornadoes in May 1999 that caused significant damage across a large portion of Oklahoma.

It bars the raising of prices and rental rates in the emergency area by more than 10 percent above the rates that existed before the emergency was declared.

Additionally, the act is in effect for another 180 days for prices to repairs, remodeling and construction.

Topics Windstorm Oklahoma