Yesterday I voted alongside my colleagues, with the leadership of Senator Cronin, to pass An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities. This bill amplifies the work needed to create an equitable and full life for individuals who use wheelchairs and echoes the sentiments of many people facing the challenges of disruption caused by broken wheelchairs in their daily lives.
An Act expanding wheelchair warranty protections for consumers with disabilities—S.2541—requires all wheelchairs to come with warranties, extends the minimum warranty period to two years, sets standards for wheelchair repairs and replacements, and eliminates the cumbersome prior authorization process for all wheelchair repairs under $1,000.
The legislation requires all wheelchairs sold or leased in the Commonwealth to come with express warranties—a change from the current law, which only requires customized wheelchairs to come with express warranties. The legislation also extends express warranties for wheelchairs from one year to two years, bringing Massachusetts in line with states like Rhode Island and Connecticut. If a wheelchair user cannot operate their in-warranty chair during the repair process, the bill mandates that manufacturers or dealers reimburse them for or provide a loaner wheelchair within four business days for most wheelchairs, or within eight business days for highly customized wheelchairs.
The legislation has received strong support from disability advocates across Massachusetts.
For more details, contact: giselle.riveraflores@masenate.gov
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