This photo shows the Utah State Capitol, Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Salt Lake City. Utah lawmakers are entering the final day of what has been a relatively quiet 45-day legislative session. By constitutional rule the Legislature must end its session Thursday, which often means the stroke of midnight. Lawmakers are wrapping up negotiations on a number of bills, including proposals to change the state's liquor and gun laws, and putting the finishing touches on a roughly $13 billion state budget.  (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Utah Lawmakers Look To Update Price-Gouging Law Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

SALT LAKE CITY-Monday, as the Utah Legislature’s Business and Labor Interim Committee met, numerous examples of ongoing price gouging occurring in the Beehive State since the coronavirus started, were shared.

While Milcreek Democrat Patrice Arent said she passed a bill outlawing it 15 years ago, lawmakers realize it is a difficult law to enforce statewide.

This panel also discussed the successes and futility experienced because of the Personal Paycheck Program since its enforcement earlier this year.

They discovered, during their meeting, that more than 48,000 businesses have obtained $5.2 billion in loans to keep them afloat during the pandemic.

Utah Banking Association President/CEO Howard Headlee said these $5.2 billion granted to small businesses could prove to be highly effective for the economy.