Resolve, Directing the Attorney General To Update the Portions of the Consumer Law Guide Pertaining to Implied Warranties

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 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.