Aimed at stopping “unconscionable” selling practices during declared states of emergency, an anti-price-gouging bill inspired by Hurricane Isabel won overwhelming support from the Virginia Senate March 9.

The “Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act,” introduced by Delegate Melanie L. Rapp, R-Yorktown, is identical to Senate legislation that already passed both chambers. The legislation now heads to Gov. Mark Warner for his signature.

“It is an anti-gouging bill,” Sen. Thomas K. Norment, R-James City, sponsor of the Senate measure – SB242 – said before the 38-2 vote on HB686. “It is not a price fixing bill.”

The legislation prohibits suppliers from selling goods and services, such as fuel and food and meals served in restaurants, during times of disaster at an unconscionable price, The Fairfax Journal reported. What constitutes unconscionable would be determined by the courts based on several criteria, including whether the same or similar goods were available 10 days before the disaster at a significantly less price.

Under the proposal, a seller found responsible for price gouging would be liable for actual damages. But the victim would not be allowed to initiate a private cause of action.

Similar laws are in place in 25 states.