An Act To Establish a Study Commission To Examine the Implied Warranty Laws and the Arbitration Process for Those Laws
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 1772
Committee Amendment CA_A_S374 (Senate)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A " to S.P. 659, L.D. 1772, Bill, "An Act To 
Establish a Study Commission To Examine the Implied Warranty Laws and the 
Arbitration Process for Those Laws" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'Resolve, Directing the Attorney General To Update the Portions of the Consumer 
Law Guide Pertaining to Implied Warranties' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the title and inserting the following: 
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, this resolve directs the Attorney General to update the portions of the 
Attorney General's Consumer Law Guide pertaining to implied warranties on consumer 
goods by July 1, 2018; and 
Whereas, enactment of this resolve before the 90-day period expires is necessary to 
provide the Attorney General sufficient time to complete the update by July 1, 2018; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, be it 
Sec. 1. Attorney General to update Consumer Law Guide. Resolved: 
That, by July 1, 2018, the Attorney General shall review and update the portions of the 
Attorney General's Consumer Law Guide pertaining to implied warranties on consumer 
goods other than motor vehicles. In conducting this review, the Attorney General shall 
consult with individuals representing the interests of manufacturers and retailers of 
consumer goods, including household appliances, as well as consumer advocates. Based 
on that review, the Attorney General shall update the Consumer Law Guide to, at a 
minimum, clarify the scope of a consumer's responsibility to follow the operation and 
maintenance guidelines contained in the manufacturer's user manual for a consumer good 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A "to S.P. 659, L.D. 1772 
other than a motor vehicle and the effect of a consumer's failure to follow those operation 
and maintenance guidelines on the availability of relief under the implied warranty 
provisions of the laws of this State. 
· 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment, which is the majority report of the committee, replaces the bill, 
which is a concept draft, with a resolve. The resolve directs the Attorney General to 
review and update the Attorney General's Consumer Law Guide as it pertains to implied 
warranties on consumer goods other than motor vehicles by July 1, 2018. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 02/09/18 feac 
f28th MAINE LEGISLATURE 
LD 1772 
LR 2588(02) 
An Act To Establish a Study Commission To Examine the Implied Warranty Laws and the 
Arbitration Process for Those Laws 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment '~' ( S - 37 0 
Committee: Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
The additional costs to the Department of the Attorney General to update the Consumer Law Guide are expected to be 
minor and can be absorbed utilizing existing budgeted resources. 
LR2588(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1