Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Passes Bill to Help Physically Disabled Alaskans

Bill Establishes Warranties for Assistive Technology and Mobility Aids

For Immediate Release April 18, 1998 Contact: Rep. Joe Green at (907) 465-4931.

Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Saturday unanimously passed House Bill 451, which established an express warranty for technology designed to help people who are physically disabled.

"Assistive technology and mobility aids for the physically disabled are not covered by 'lemon laws' in Alaska," said Representative Joe Green (R-Anchorage), sponsor of HB 451. "If you buy a wheelchair and it doesn't work properly, you'll pay for repairs out of your own pocket unless the manufacturers choose to provide a warranty on their own," Green said.

Under the terms of HB 451, if a consumer reports a nonconformity to a manufacturer within a year of delivery, the manufacturer must repair or replace the equipment, or offer a refund of the purchase price.

"Non-working assistive equipment is not just inconvenient; it can be dangerous," Green said. "When people lose their mobility or their ability to communicate, they may not be aware of, or able to remove themselves from, dangerous situations. Assistive technology allows the physically disabled to operate in a manner most of us take for granted," Green said.

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Broadcasters note: Comments are available by calling the House Majority Actuality Line at (800) 478-6540.
= Joe Green, 42 K