Enacts new GS 75-45 prohibiting businesses selling essential goods and services in the state from using surveillance pricing, defined as the practice of varying the prices of consumer goods or services within the same business day based on demand or other factors, including the use of algorithmic pricing. Defines essential goods and services as goods and services necessary to consumers' health and safety, such as food, water, paper towels, toilet paper, home cleaning products, toiletries, diapers, and feminine products. Lists five practices that are not considered to be a violation, including using promotional pricing offers, loyalty program benefits, or other temporary discounts or changes to pricing related to retention of existing customers; a difference in price based on objective costs attributable to providing consumer goods or services to different consumers, such as differences in price due to shipping costs or taxes based on the consumer's location; and discounts provided to larger defined groups of consumers, such as for military veterans, active duty personnel, senior citizens, children, teachers, or students. Violations are an unfair trade practice.

Appropriates $210,738 in recurring funds beginning in 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Justice to be allocated to the Legal Services Division to create two Attorney I positions to prosecute cases under this act. Also appropriates $50,000 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to the Department of Justice for public education and implementation of this act.

Effective October 1, 2026.