Annapolis, MD, January 21, 2026
Governor Wes Moore has introduced the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act in Maryland, aimed at eliminating dynamic pricing and the use of surveillance data for individualized grocery prices. This proposed legislation seeks to ensure price stability and transparency for consumers, allowing grocery store prices to remain fixed for at least one business day. The bill is a response to concerns surrounding the use of technology in pricing and is supported by key state lawmakers.
Governor Moore Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Dynamic Pricing in Maryland Grocery Stores
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore has announced the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, aiming to protect Maryland consumers from unpredictable price fluctuations and invasive data practices in grocery stores. The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit dynamic pricing and the use of surveillance data to set individualized prices, ensuring price stability and transparency for shoppers.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
- Prohibition of Dynamic Pricing: The bill mandates that grocery store prices remain fixed for at least one business day, preventing rapid price changes throughout the day.
- Ban on Surveillance-Based Individualized Pricing: Retailers are prohibited from using surveillance data to inform automated systems that set individualized prices, safeguarding consumers from potential exploitation based on personal data.
- Enforcement and Penalties: Violations are classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. The Office of the Attorney General is tasked with enforcement, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $25,000 for subsequent offenses.
Context and Rationale
The introduction of this legislation responds to the increasing adoption of electronic shelf labels by retailers, which allow for instant price updates. While intended to streamline operations, this technology has raised concerns about the potential for dynamic pricing, where prices could fluctuate based on factors such as time of day, weather, or consumer behavior. Governor Moore emphasized the need to protect consumers from such practices, stating that technology should be used to help people, not to exploit them.
House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Senate President Bill Ferguson have expressed support for the bill, highlighting the importance of price predictability and fairness in the marketplace. They noted that the legislation builds upon previous consumer protection measures, including the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024, which restricted how companies collect and use personal data.
The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act is part of Governor Moore’s broader legislative agenda to address rising costs and enhance consumer protections in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act?
The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act is proposed legislation introduced by Governor Wes Moore in Maryland, aiming to prohibit dynamic pricing and the use of surveillance data to set individualized prices in grocery stores. The bill seeks to ensure price stability and transparency for consumers.
What does dynamic pricing entail?
Dynamic pricing refers to the practice where retailers adjust the prices of products in real-time based on various factors, such as time of day, weather conditions, or consumer behavior. This can lead to unpredictable price fluctuations for consumers.
How does the legislation address surveillance-based individualized pricing?
The legislation prohibits retailers from using surveillance data—information derived from observing or inferring consumer behavior or characteristics—to inform automated systems that set individualized prices, thereby protecting consumers from potential exploitation based on personal data.
What are the penalties for violating the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act?
Violations of the act are considered unfair or deceptive trade practices under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. The Office of the Attorney General is responsible for enforcement, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $25,000 for subsequent offenses.
How does this legislation relate to previous consumer protection measures in Maryland?
The Protection from Predatory Pricing Act builds upon previous consumer protection measures in Maryland, including the Maryland Online Data Privacy Act of 2024, which restricted how companies collect and use personal data, further strengthening the state’s stance on consumer rights and data privacy.
Key Features of the Legislation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibition of Dynamic Pricing | Requires grocery store prices to remain fixed for at least one business day, preventing rapid price changes throughout the day. |
| Ban on Surveillance-Based Individualized Pricing | Prohibits retailers from using surveillance data to inform automated systems that set individualized prices, protecting consumers from potential exploitation based on personal data. |
| Enforcement and Penalties | Violations are classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $25,000 for subsequent offenses, enforced by the Office of the Attorney General. |
| Context and Rationale | Responds to the increasing adoption of electronic shelf labels by retailers, which allow for instant price updates and raise concerns about potential dynamic pricing based on various factors, including consumer behavior. |
| Legislative Support | Supported by House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Senate President Bill Ferguson, who emphasize the importance of price predictability and fairness in the marketplace, building upon previous consumer protection measures in Maryland. |
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