Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Stop the Sneak Attack on California’s Auto Lemon Law! Your right to get a refund for a defective, unsafe lemon car is under attack NOW. Urge Gov. Newsom to VETO AB 1755! You can send an email to Governor Newsom HERE and urge him to VETO AB 1755!
In recent years, certain automobile manufacturers have demonstrated a concerning pattern of undermining consumer protections and prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare.
This trend is once again evident in recent efforts to dismantle California’s Auto Lemon Law(the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act), a landmark California consumer protection statute that has protected lemon auto owners for over 50 years.
California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, commonly known as the auto Lemon Law, was established in 1970 to safeguard consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles.
This legislation provides critical protections for vehicle owners by ensuring that manufacturers honor their warranties and remedy defects in a timely manner by repurchasing or replacing lemon vehicles.
It is a vital piece of legislation that has shielded millions of Californians from financial and personal hardships caused by defective vehicles in addition to removing unsafe vehicles from our roads.
The recent push to undermine this law through the controversial Assembly Bill 1755 (AB 1755), threatens to erode these protections and leave consumers vulnerable.
AB 1755 was introduced in a manner that can only be described as underhanded.
Drafted in secrecy and inserted into an unrelated bill on child custody through a “gut-and-amend” process, this legislation has circumvented traditional democratic procedures.
The bill’s sudden introduction and lack of transparency has raised significant concerns about its intentions and the looking potential impact on consumer rights.
This covert approach arguably not only undermines the democratic process with changes to legislation, but also denies stakeholders, including consumer advocacy groups and the public, the opportunity to provide input or oppose the bill.
The California Lemon Law has been a cornerstone of consumer protection in California for over five decades.
It provides protection to a wide range of vehicle owners, including those who purchase new and used cars, military service members, and small businesses relying on vehicles for their operations.
The Act also supports the automotive repair industry by creating jobs for technicians and workers involved in warranty and safety recall repairs.
By weakening this law, consumer rights are not only being attacked, but jobs and the broader automotive landscape are also potentially affected.
How AB 1755 Would Change the California Auto Lemon Law
AB 1755 proposes several changes to the Song-Beverly Act that would significantly weaken consumer protections.
One of the most troubling provisions is the requirement for consumers to notify manufacturers in writing, with detailed vehicle information, before pursuing penalties for warranty violations.
This provision shifts the burden onto consumers, many of whom may not be aware of the new requirements or have the resources to comply.
This change is particularly detrimental to vulnerable populations, including those who are economically disadvantaged or not proficient in English.
By imposing these additional requirements, AB 1755 creates a barrier that allows manufacturers to ignore legitimate consumer complaints without consequence.
It effectively places the onus on consumers to navigate complex procedural hurdles while manufacturers evade accountability for defective vehicles.
This approach is not only unjust but also exploitative, as it disproportionately impacts those who are least equipped to advocate for their rights.
Another aspect of AB 1755 that is of concern is its proposal to reduce the statute of limitations for pursuing a lemon lawsuit.
This modification would restrict the amount of time that consumers have to pursue legal action, thereby complicating their ability to hold manufacturers accountable for defective vehicles with latent defects.
In addition, the measure permits manufacturers to deduct negative equity from refunds.
The Impact of AB 1755 on California Consumers
The impact of AB 1755 extends beyond individual consumers to the broader community.
For many Californians, their vehicles are essential to their daily lives, whether for commuting to work, running a small business, or transporting their families.
The weakening of the lemon law not only affects these individuals but also has ripple effects on their families, businesses, and communities.
It is imperative that lawmakers recognize the broader implications of this bill and take a stand to protect consumer rights.
This attack on California’s auto Lemon Law represents a serious threat to both consumer rights and public safety.
The attempt to push this legislation through quickly, without public input and opinion, should be alarming to all California residents especially when it threatens the safety and financial well-being of millions of California vehicle consumers.
