HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 4, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- In a unanimous vote during today's session, The House of Representatives approved House Bill 767, which will expand consumers' rights under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law. The changes, to include the addition of leased cars and create used vehicle branding requirements, will mark the first major amendments to the Pennsylvania Lemon Law since it was enacted in 1984. Pending Senate approval, the newly expanded Law may take effect in as soon as sixty days.
Under the current Law, Pennsylvania consumers who purchase their car may be entitled to a new car or the refund of their purchase price, if their car has a substantial defect that first occurs in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles and can not be fixed within three repair attempts, or if the car is out of service for 30 or more calendar days during the first year. The new Law would also protect an estimated 20% of Pennsylvania consumers who drive cars, and 26% who drive light utility trucks.
The Prime Sponsor of HB 767 is Representative John R. Evans (R-District 5, Erie and Crawford Counties). "We have heard the horror stories about the car that never really worked right from day one, and no one can figure out why," says Evans. "Since 1984, Pennsylvanians who buy their new cars have enjoyed a level of protection against the dreaded lemon, but for those consumers who chose to lease, this protection never existed. We are working to change that."
"This passage marks a tremendous victory for Pennsylvania consumers," says Automobile Consumer Advocate Craig Thor Kimmel, a legal consultant to the committee who has rallied for the inclusion of leased vehicles since 1997. Mr. Kimmel is managing partner of the Ambler-based Kimmel & Silverman, P.C., the nation's largest lemon law and consumer advocacy firm. Since 1990, his firm has provided free legal help to more than 17,500 consumers under State and Federal statutes. "While Federal Statutes provide some protection for lessees, the revised Pennsylvania Lemon Law will clearly define the responsibility manufacturers have when it comes to Pennsylvania consumers who decide to lease."
House Bill 767 also requires title branding and disclosure to consumers purchasing reacquired lemons under the State Law. The changes to the Law will insure people are not misled about the history of the vehicle they are purchasing. If they are, the seller may be responsible for providing the consumer with a new car or a refund, plus pay other penalties to the state," says Kimmel.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, consumers can visit www.lemonlaw.com or call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652).