News Release
For Immediate Release
April 11, 2000
 

Consumer Committee Approves Greenleaf Lemon Law Reforms

HARRISBURG -- The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee has approved Senate Bill 1305, a measure offered by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf to add new consumer provisions to the state's auto lemon law.

Under the bill, the lemon law would include leased vehicles; require the title of a defective vehicle to be branded if resold in the commonwealth; and expand the coverage of the law to vehicles that are purchased out of state but titled in the commonwealth.

Greenleaf noted that at least 35 percent of vehicles acquired in the state are leased. "The number of leased automobiles is growing. The citizens who enter into lease agreements for their transportation needs should have the same protections as those who buy with regard to defective vehicles," he said. The senator pointed out that the commonwealth is one of just five states that do not include leased vehicles under their lemon laws.

Branding the titles of vehicles that have been returned as defective under lemon law provisions is law in 16 states. "It is important to inform subsequent buyers of the history of these vehicles so that they are aware of what they are purchasing," said Greenleaf. "Our intention is to provide a comprehensive consumer protection law covering the purchase, lease, and resale of vehicles titled in Pennsylvania," Greenleaf said.