Michaelson Jenet Bill to Increase Consumer Protections Clears Committee

SB24-192 would expand the Colorado Lemon Law

DENVER, CO – Today the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee advanced Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet’s, D-Commerce City, bill to expand the Colorado Lemon Law and increase consumer protections.

SB24-192 would better protect consumers from “lemons,” or new vehicles that turn out to have manufacturing issues affecting their safety, value or utility.

“When you buy a car, you expect it to be reliable, safe, and function well for years to come,” Michaelson Jenet said. “Vehicle defects that turn up after purchase jeopardize Coloradans’ ability to move around our beautiful state and get to and from work or school. I know firsthand how a bad car buying experience can derail plans and become a costly burden. This bill guarantees increased consumer protections for ‘lemons,’ giving Coloradans greater peace of mind that their vehicle purchase is a worthwhile investment.”

Legislation would expand the Lemon Law to:

• Change the length of time that a dealer must buy back or replace a “lemon” from one year or the vehicle’s warranty, to two years or 24,000 miles;

• Lower the threshold to invoke the law from 30 days out-of-service to 24, and the required repair attempts from four to three;

• Add a 10-day time limit for a manufacturer to cure a defect;

• Add a right to inspect returned vehicles; and

• Add disclosure requirements for returned vehicles including that defects be noted on the title and reported to the state.

SB24-192 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track the bill’s progress HERE.