BOSTON — Rep. Alan Silvia (D-Fall River) has introduced legislation that would discourage hoarding during the coronavirus pandemic by limiting the return of groceries, paper and cleaning items to stores.

"While we see people come together in a profound spirit of generosity and community during this time of crisis, still, shortages of certain products have been reported, and this bill would discourage those who may try to make money off a vulnerable population's need for basic necessities by hoarding and or selling them at exorbitant prices – products ranging from toilet paper and cleaning items to baby formula and diapers," Silvia said in a statement.

Silvia said hoarders can buy products for future sale while hedging their investments by returning unsold items to stores for refunds or credit "if the shortage abates or when the crisis ends."

The bill seeks to protect Massachusetts residents from shortages of basic necessities and to prevent the return and possible resale of items that could carry the COVID-19 virus on their surfaces, Silvia's office said in a news release.