Inclusion of Santa Barbara county in state of emergency activates price gouging protections

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The inclusion of Santa Barbara County in the state of emergency also includes protections from price gouging under Penal Code Section 396.

PC 396 prohibits raising the price of many consumer goods and services by more than 10% in the 30 days after a state of emergency is declared.

Construction and repair services are not allowed to raise their prices more than 10% for 180 days after a state of emergency is declared.

District Attorney John Savrnoch said, “Local businesses have offered invaluable service and assistance to the community in past times of crisis, and we call on everyone in Santa Barbara County to continue in this tradition. Anyone who takes advantage of the current emergency to engage in price gouging will be
prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Price gouging is defined in PC 396 as, "excessive and unjustified increases in the prices charged during or shortly after a declared state of emergency."

Santa Barbara County was included in the state of emergency declaration on Jan. 10.

If you suspect you have been a victim of price gouging or you believe you have information about potential price gouging, you can file a complaint with the District Attorney's Office by calling 805-568-2300 or by clicking on this link.

For more information about price gouging laws during a state of emergency, click this link.