By Bob Katzen

Sponsored by Rep. Alan Silvia (D-Fall River). This legislation would prohibit retail food stores from accepting the bulk return of any groceries and other household goods purchased by a consumer during, and for 30 days following, a declared state of emergency resulting from a pandemic or other public health emergency.

Violators would be fined $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense and $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

“I am sponsoring the bill simply because we have too many people affected by hoarding items that should be available to the public especially in a time of crisis,” said Silvia. “There is no reason people shouldn’t be able to purchase items, such as hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes, when we need them the most.”