New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has offered up legislation that would allow the state to investigate and punish companies that engage in price gouging.

The Democratic governor is calling on state lawmakers to approve the measure during the special legislative session that kicks off Oct. 6.

The bill would prohibit price gouging during natural disasters or emergencies, such as hurricanes or terrorist attacks.

The rule would apply to goods and services deemed essential in an emergency, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, prescription drugs and bottled water.

Under the proposal, price gouging would be presumed if prices for essential goods and services increased 10 percent above what had been the average market price in the 10 days prior to the natural disaster or emergency.

Violators would face a fine up to $5,000, per occurrence.

Consumers in New Mexico who believe they may have been gouged at the pump should contact Richardson’s office at (505) 476-2200 or on the Internet at www.governor.state.nm.usunder “e-mail the governor.” Consumers can also call the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-678-1508.

During the special session, lawmakers also will consider a $100 million package that includes tax rebates and home heating assistance. Richardson said the rebates would aid residents in the state struggling with high prices at the fuel pump.

The spending would tap state coffers overflowing with oil and fuel revenues, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported.

If approved by legislators, Richardson’s plan calls for checks to be mailed out within a few weeks to everyone who filed a state income tax return last year.

In addition to the $75 million rebate plan, $20 million would go toward helping New Mexico’s poor and the elderly pay heating bills. Another $3 million would be earmarked for the state police and school districts to cover high fuel costs, and $1.5 million would go for weatherization projects.