Federal trade commission study and report

(a) Study The Federal Trade Commission (in this section referred to as the Commission) shall conduct a study of the operation and enforcement of State and local price gouging laws during the period of war-related disruptions in energy and essential goods markets caused by the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict, including— (1) the extent to which such laws were activated in response to the conflict; (2) the types of products and services covered, including fuel, home heating, and essential consumer staples; (3) enforcement actions taken by State and local authorities; and (4) any observed impacts on consumer welfare, supply availability, and prices. (b) Recommendations As part of the study under subsection (a), the Commission shall evaluate whether a permanent Federal baseline standard governing price gouging during declared emergencies would promote consumer protection and market stability, taking into account the diversity of existing State approaches and experience during the U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict. (c) Report to congress Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report— (1) describing the results of the study conducted under subsection (a); and (2) setting forth the recommendations described in subsection (b), including any specific legislative or administrative actions the Commission considers appropriate.