Louisiana prohibits price gouging under Revised Statutes Tit. 29, § 732 during declared states of emergency. The law activates only upon a state of emergency declared under R.S. 29:724 and applies to certain sales, such as gasoline or diesel fuel. Civil remedies and attorney fees are available under § 29:734 in addition to other laws, with criminal penalties possible. No specific consumer complaint form or dedicated process appears in the statute. Verify current emergency status through the Louisiana Governor's Office, as the rules do not apply outside declared emergencies.
The Controlling Rule: Louisiana Price Gouging Statute
Louisiana Revised Statutes Tit. 29, § 732 prohibits price gouging during a state of emergency declared per R.S. 29:724. The law takes precedence over conflicting provisions once activated. Remedies include civil actions with attorney fees under § 29:734, alongside other available legal options and potential criminal penalties.
Check the Louisiana Governor's Office for active proclamations, as the rules do not apply without a specific emergency declaration. The statute sets no fixed price thresholds or percentages to define gouging.
What Does Not Control Price Gouging Complaints
Federal FTC rules do not regulate price gouging directly. Complaints about private businesses do not go through the Louisiana Office of Inspector General, which excludes such cases.
Price gouging claims differ from merchant refund policies, credit card billing disputes, or marketplace procedures. Rules from other states do not apply.
Practical Next Steps for Suspected Price Gouging
First, confirm an active state of emergency via the Governor's Office proclamations. Gather evidence including receipts, advertisements showing pre-emergency prices, product details, location, date, and seller information.
No specific complaint form, deadlines, or fees appear in the statute. Civil remedies under § 29:734 may involve local district attorneys given the criminal penalties, or other legal options.
| Step | Action | Evidence to Gather |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verify | Check Governor's proclamations for active emergency | Screenshot of declaration |
| 2. Document | Record prices, dates, locations | Receipts, ads, photos |
| 3. Pursue remedies | Consider civil action under § 29:734 or contact local district attorney | Compile all docs in one file |
FAQ
Is Louisiana's price gouging law active right now?
It applies only during a declared state of emergency per R.S. 29:724. Check the Governor's Office for current proclamations.
What counts as price gouging in Louisiana?
The statute under § 29:732 prohibits it during emergencies but does not define specific thresholds like percentage increases.
Can I get a refund for price gouging?
Civil remedies are available under § 29:734, but not through automatic merchant refunds.
Where do I report price gouging?
No dedicated process appears in the statute; civil remedies under § 29:734 or local district attorneys may apply for enforcement.