Bucks Lawmaker's Bill Targets Coronavirus Hoarding

YARDLEY, PA — A new bill introduced by a Bucks County lawmaker is aimed at discouraging people from hoarding grocery items during emergencies like the new coronavirus outbreak.

The legislation, by state Rep. Perry Warren, D-Yardley, would limit buyers' ability to return items that they stockpile in an effort re-sell them at a profit.

"People have come together in a profound spirit of generosity and community during this time of crisis," Warren said. "Still, shortages of certain products have been reported, and this bill would discourage those who might try to make money off of a vulnerable population’s need for basic necessities by hoarding and selling them at exorbitant prices — products ranging from toilet paper and cleaning items to baby formula and diapers."

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According to Warren, people can buy up big amounts of such items, hedging their bets by returning any unsold items to the store for a refund or credit if they don't find a market for them.

His bill also addresses the possibility of such items being contaminated, then returned. It would give grocery stores the sole discretion of accepting returned items that may have become unsafe or otherwise defective after they were sold. Those items would not be eligible for resale.

"The resale of returned items that could carry COVID-19 puts both grocery store workers and consumers at risk of being exposed to the virus," Warren said. He said that similar legislation has passed in the New Jersey General Assembly.

The legislation would give grocery stores the sole discretion of accepting returned items that may have been unsafe or otherwise defective at the time of sale. Those items would not be eligible for resale.

>>>Full coverage of coronavirus in Pennsylvania here.