New Maryland Bill Would Ban Dynamic Pricing At Grocery Stores

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and legislative leaders have unveiled a new proposal aimed at curbing so-called “dynamic pricing” in grocery stores, saying the practice could lead to unpredictable price spikes and unfair costs for consumers at a time when many families are already struggling with rising grocery bills and everyday expenses.

SB 387, known as the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act, would prohibit retailers from using electronic systems that adjust prices throughout the day based on factors such as demand, time of day or individual shopper data, according to bill sponsors. Under the proposal, grocery store prices would be required to remain fixed for at least one full business day, and the use of surveillance-derived data to set individualized pricing would be banned. Penalties for violations could include civil fines, with higher penalties for subsequent offenses.

Speaking at a press event alongside House and Senate leaders, Moore framed the bill as a consumer protection measure, saying Marylanders deserve transparency and fairness at the register. “Marylanders deserve to know that the price they see on the shelf is the price they will pay at the register,” he said, noting that technology should help people, not exploit them.

Legislative leaders, including House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk and Senate President Bill Ferguson, have joined Moore in backing the proposal, saying it protects consumers without unduly restricting retailers. Peña-Melnyk described dynamic pricing as “predatory” and inappropriate at a time when many Maryland families are making difficult choices to stretch their budgets.

As of Tuesday, Jan. 27, the bill has had its first reading and has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The debate over dynamic pricing reflects broader concerns among lawmakers about the intersection of technology, data privacy and affordability in everyday markets such as food retail.