OSCIL is pleased to report that two bills we have supported, S760 & H5560, designed to strengthen RI’s Consumer Enforcement of Assistive Technology Device Warranties law, referred to as the Assistive Technology Lemon Law, have been passed by the General Assembly and were signed Governor McKee on June 19, 2023.
This act will enhance the rights of consumers under the current law in 2 ways:
First, manufacturers & vendors will be required to maintain documentation for all repair attempts showing:
· The date a repair was requested;
· The type of repair requested
· The date the repair attempt began;
· The length of time required for the repair attempt
· The results of the repair attempt
· The total number of repair attempts made.
Second, when a device is purchased or lease, the manufacturer must provide directly to the consumer a statement, written in not less than fourteen (14) point all capital bolded type on a separate piece of paper or in such other form as the consumer can understand, a form stating:
If the device is still defective after two (2) attempts to repair the same problem within two (2) years, or out of service for thirty (30) days for any combination of problems within the first year from the date of first delivery, you may be entitled to a replacement or refund of the purchase price under chapter 45 of title 6. To be entitled to a refund or a replacement, you must first notify the device manufacturer or vendor of the problem and give the vendor or manufacturer an opportunity to repair the device in accordance with § 6-45-5(b)(1).
If your device is out-of-service for more than seven (7) days, or not having a device, would be a threat to your safety, the manufacturer/vendor must provide you with a loaner device.
Here is the official summary of the bills: Enhances the rights of consumers by adding the requirement that the vendor or manufacturer maintain records of any reported defects or repairs of a device, making it easier for a consumer to enforce their rights under the law.
