Bucks Co. Lawmaker Proposes COVID-19 Anti-Hoarding Bill

HARRISBURG, PA — A Pennsylvania lawmaker from lower Bucks County has introduced legislation design to cut down on hoarding and price-gouging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill was first proposed in March by Rep. Perry Warren (D-Bucks), who represents the 31st House District, in response to hoarding and price-gouging in Pennsylvania and around the country.

"Not only do these shortages leave vulnerable populations in even more danger, but the possibility exists that these items, if returned, could carry with them the COVID-19 virus on their surfaces. This puts both grocery store workers and consumers at risk of being exposed to the virus," Rep. Warren said in a March memo to his fellow lawmakers.

The law would also allow grocery stores to refuse to accept returned items "that may have been unsafe or otherwise defective at the time of sale" during the current state of emergency declared in Pennsylvania in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Warren said he intends to introduce eight other pieces of legislation in the coming months, including a bill to establish a flood insurance premium assistance task force and a proposal to require universal background checks for all firearm sales in Pennsylvania.

“In the new session, I’m reintroducing legislation that would safeguard people’s finances, ensure adults’ and children’s health and safety, and protect the environment,” Warren said in a news release. “My legislation aims to make Pennsylvania more prosperous, safer and healthier for all.”

Warren's district includes Lower Makefield Township, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Yardley Borough and Morrisville.

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