Bill > H446

This bill expands wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring manufacturers who sell wheelchairs to provide an express warranty of at least 2 years and provide consumers with a clear written statement of their warranty rights. 2. Requiring manufacturers to cover all collateral costs, such as rental fees and shipping, when a wheelchair under warranty needs to be repaired. 3. Providing consumers the option to either receive a replacement wheelchair or a refund if the wheelchair cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts. 4. Allowing consumers to bring private lawsuits under Chapter 93A consumer protection laws to enforce their rights under this law, including the ability to recover double damages. 5. Requiring the state's Office of Consumer Affairs to report annually on the operation of an alternate arbitration mechanism for wheelchair warranty disputes. The bill aims to strengthen protections for consumers with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs by ensuring they can get timely repairs or replacements under warranty without incurring significant out-of-pocket costs.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H446