Lawmakers act on gas-gouging

Bill would punish profiteering after events like Sept. 11 attacks

? An anti-profiteering bill prompted by spikes in gasoline prices last Sept. 11 won Senate approval Wednesday as other legislative responses to the terrorist attacks also advanced.

The bill could subject merchants to lawsuits and fines for gouging consumers with high prices after disasters. The 26-14 vote sent it to the House.

The Senate also sent to the House on a 39-1 vote a bill allowing the state’s adjutant general to appoint a deputy.

In addition, senators gave first-round approval on a voice vote to a House resolution creating a joint legislative committee on security issues. Final action is set for today.

Meanwhile, the House tentatively approved a bill permitting state and local government agencies to close records that deal with the security of energy and telecommunications companies.

Supporters of the records bill said some utilities are afraid to submit security plans to state and local officials for fear that they’ll become public. The measure would create the 45th exception to the Kansas Open Records Act.

The anti-profiteering bill proved controversial in the Senate because some members think the state should stay out of the marketplace.

Following the terrorist attacks, long lines formed at gas pumps in some Kansas communities, and prices soared to $5 a gallon or more amid rumors that fuel would be in short supply.

The new law would apply after a disaster and address prices for necessary services, such as housing and fuel. Price increases of more than 50 percent would be evidence of profiteering.

But other Republicans noted that gasoline prices quickly dropped back to normal levels last fall. They suggested the bill is unnecessary.

The only vote against the bill came from Sen. Dave Jackson, R-Topeka, who said, “I feel that’s one level of bureaucracy we can do without.”