House Bill 470

Chairman: Wendell Willard

Committee:Judiciary Civil

House Sponsor: Tom RIce

Chairman Willard’s Opinion of the Legislation:

HB 470 amends Georgia’s Lemon Law.  The definition of “consumer” is broadened to include business owners with ten or fewer vehicles, except for limousine rental services.  The Lemon Law rights period is extended to two years or 24,000 miles.  The definition of nonconformity has also been modified.  Arbitration is provided under current law.  The informal dispute resolution provisions are improved to promote the resolution of disputes prior to arbitration and litigation.  The informal dispute resolution procedure must be approved by the Office of Consumer Affairs.          

HB 470 requires auto manufacturers to take responsibility for serious auto defects, while providing ways to resolve defective car disputes outside of court, which will keep court caseloads, and court budgets, from expanding.

This bill comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule.

Further Action

The Senate removed the weight limit on trucks which are covered. This would allow unlimited weight on trucks to be covered under the lemon law (even tractor trailers). This is far beyond the ability of the department to administer. The House agreed as amended by the House, reinstating the weight limits. The Senate agreed and the bill was sent to the Governor.