Maryland lawmakers introduce bill to ban dynamic grocery pricing
Legislation would block surveillance-based price changes as concerns grow over digital shelf labels and surge pricing
www.supermarketnews.comHere’s the latest on Maryland’s dynamic pricing ban.
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Maryland lawmakers advanced a bill to ban dynamic pricing in grocery stores, framing it as consumer protection against surveillance-based pricing. The measure has drawn support from Governor Wes Moore and legislative leaders, and is expected to move toward the governor’s desk this session.[7][8]
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The core provision would prohibit using personal data to set individualized prices and would require prices shown in stores to match what customers pay at checkout, with penalties for violations under state consumer protection law. Officials say the aim is transparency and to prevent price spikes tied to data.[4][8]
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Key updates in April 2026 indicated broad legislative momentum, with multiple outlets reporting the bill as enacted or poised for signature, and Gov. Moore expressing enthusiasm about signing into law. If signed, Maryland would become a pioneer in prohibiting surveillance-based dynamic pricing nationwide.[2][3][4]
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Public discussion includes concerns from retailers about pricing flexibility and discounts versus potential consumer protection costs, while consumer groups emphasize transparency and fairness in pricing. The law is anticipated to take effect later in 2026, allowing businesses time to adjust systems.[4][7]
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For context, the legislation is officially titled the Protection from Predatory Pricing Act (HB 895/SB 387 in various references), and it targets both grocery stores and associated delivery services that rely on dynamic pricing models. The bills have undergone revisions to balance protections with business operations.[3][6][8]
If you’d like, I can pull the most current text of the bill and summarize the exact prohibitions, penalties, and effective date, or track the latest status from Maryland’s General Assembly updates. Sources: multiple reports from January–April 2026 documenting the bill’s introduction, passage, and anticipated signing.[8][3][7][4]