Democrats to unveil anti-price gouging bill

EAST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - Senate Democratic leaders are unveiling a bill that attempts to protect consumers from price gouging following storms.

Senate President Donald Williams said lawmakers want to build upon an existing law that bans price gouging of gasoline and home heating fuels. They would add weather-related services and products, such as snow rakes and snow removal services.

Williams said record prices were set last year for such items and services, when Connecticut was hit hard by numerous snow storms.

He said similar legislation passed the state Senate last year, but not the House of Representatives

The Democrats are holding their news conference on Wednesday at Goody's Hardware and Paint in East Haven. They are also expected to discuss plans to ban personal tracking devices and protect residents' Social Security numbers.