Bill > S04500

This bill enacts the "Consumer Wheelchair Repair Bill of Rights Act," which establishes comprehensive regulations to improve wheelchair repair accessibility and accountability. The legislation requires wheelchair manufacturers to make documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, and tools available to independent repair providers and wheelchair owners at fair and reasonable costs, ensuring that repair providers can effectively service powered wheelchairs. The bill mandates that manufacturers provide repair-related materials without excessive barriers, while protecting their trade secrets. Additionally, the legislation creates a "timely repair for wheelchair program" that requires manufacturers and authorized dealers to complete wheelchair repairs within ten days, provide temporary wheelchairs if repairs take longer than 30 days, and maintain dedicated communication channels for repair requests. The bill also extends the warranty period for wheelchairs from one to two years, establishes that wheelchair repairs within five years of initial prescription are considered medically necessary without requiring new prescriptions, and requires the state to develop specific reimbursement and billing procedures for wheelchair evaluations, diagnoses, and repairs. The goal is to improve wheelchair users' access to timely, affordable repairs and ensure their mobility devices remain functional and reliable.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4500