Bill > S3136

This bill expands warranty protections for consumers with disabilities who purchase or lease wheelchairs. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring manufacturers to provide a minimum 2-year express warranty on wheelchairs, with penalties if they fail to provide the required warranty statement. 2. Requiring manufacturers to cover collateral costs, such as the cost of renting a wheelchair or medical expenses, and provide a temporary loaner wheelchair if the original wheelchair is both defective and inoperable within the warranty period. 3. Establishing a process for consumers to receive a replacement wheelchair or refund if the manufacturer is unable to repair the wheelchair after a reasonable number of attempts. 4. Allowing consumers to submit warranty disputes to an alternative arbitration mechanism overseen by the Attorney General's office. 5. Authorizing the Attorney General to enforce the law and consumers to bring private lawsuits for violations, with the potential for double damages and attorney's fees. The bill aims to strengthen protections for individuals with disabilities who rely on wheelchairs by ensuring timely repairs, temporary mobility assistance, and effective remedies if the wheelchair cannot be adequately repaired.

Budget and Finance

Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (J), Senate Committee on Ways and Means (S)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S3136