LANSING, Mich., Nov. 5, 2025 — State Rep. Jason Morgan (D-Ann Arbor) introduced bold new legislation to ban the use of surge or “dynamic” pricing in grocery and big-box stores across Michigan. The Grocery Price Gouging Prevention Act prohibits stores from using digital or electronic price tags to change the cost of food and goods in real time — a practice that allows prices to rise based on algorithms, time-of-day or customer data.
“When you’re buying groceries, you should pay the same price as the person next to you, not whatever some tech algorithm decides you can afford,” Morgan said. “Working families are already stretched thin. The last thing they need is a corporate computer jacking up grocery prices while they shop.”
Under Morgan’s legislation, House Bill 5222, grocery and retail stores would be prohibited from using dynamic or surge pricing systems to raise prices based on demand, time or personal information. Stores could still adjust prices for normal reasons like spoilage, restocking or clearly advertised discounts and coupons.
House Bill 5223 applies the same prohibitions to large retail and chain stores to ensure consistency across shopping centers. House Bill 5224 strengthens the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, giving the attorney general the power to investigate and penalize any retailer caught using digital price manipulation to overcharge customers.
Recent advances in “e-ink” shelf technology have allowed corporations to remotely alter prices hundreds of times a day — sometimes raising the cost of essentials when demand spikes or when certain customers shop. The Grocery Price Gouging Prevention Act would stop that practice from happening in Michigan.
“Everyday people deserve a fair deal — not a digital scam,” Morgan continued. “This is about restoring honesty and fairness to the marketplace and making sure Michigan families aren’t being ripped off by corporate greed.”
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