Expanded ‘Lemon Law’ Bill Clears Assembly

Real estate agents and other small-business owners would be protected by the state’s revised “lemon law” under legislation approved by the Assembly. AB 1848, by Assemblywoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), passed the 80-member chamber by a 64-10 margin with strong bipartisan support. The bill would expand protections for consumers who unwittingly purchase faulty new cars. Currently, only autos bought for household purposes are protected under the state’s lemon law, which allows car owners to get a refund for vehicles with chronic, major defects. Davis’ bill would include businesses with fleets of up to five vehicles. The bill moves next to the state Senate, where it will be assigned to a policy committee for a hearing. Similar lemon law legislation passed the Senate last year but later died in the Assembly.