Bill in Congress seeks to restrict data-driven grocery price systems

A new measure from U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas would limit the use of surveillance-based pricing methods for groceries and food, intended to provide consumers with greater protections, Congress records show.

Identified as H.R.8229, the bill was submitted on April 9, 2026, during the 2026 session of the 119th Congress. The following summary reflects key details from the bill text alongside clarifications for understanding its guidelines.

The core proposal of the bill bans the use of surveillance-driven pricing for food products, groceries, and farm commodities. Businesses are only allowed to vary prices due to actual cost differences or clear promotional offers that are publicly disclosed. Firms must be transparent about how they set prices and give consumers a chance to fix errors in personal data. Oversight would fall to the Federal Trade Commission, though state attorneys general could act on behalf of affected residents. Individuals able to show harm from covered conduct are granted the ability to pursue claims, including compensation for damages, within five years of discovery. The measures would become enforceable 180 days after passage into law.

Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-1st District) is the bill’s sole sponsor.

During the current congressional session, Rep. Pappas has introduced 42 additional bills.

A related proposal, H.R.4640, was put forward in the House on July 23, 2025, with Congressional records marking it as related to H.R.8229.

Both chambers of Congress may introduce bills, with the exception of tax measures, which begin exclusively in the House. The legislative path includes committee referral, hearings, amendments, and debate before floor votes. Final bills require approval by both chambers in identical form, then move to the president, who may sign or veto. Each two-year Congress operates in two yearly sessions, sequentially numbered. The legislative process and the official record are overseen and published by Congress and are available on Congress.gov.

Chris Pappas represents New Hampshire in the U.S. House. He was born in Manchester on June 4, 1980, and earned a degree from Harvard University in 2002. His career includes posts as a member of the New Hampshire State House of Representatives (2003-2007), service as Hillsborough County treasurer (2007-2011), and work on the New Hampshire Executive Council (2013-2019) before joining Congress in 2019.

Congress is the source for the information in this article. Original source data is available here.