Aimed at stopping “unconscionable” selling practices during declared states of emergency, an anti-price-gouging measure inspired by Hurricane Isabel is now law in Virginia.

Gov. Mark Warner signed the bill into law April 14.

The “Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act,” 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 lesser price.

Under the new law, 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.