Selecting an attorney for legal cases is a very important decision. Please enter your information below to receive a Free Consultation from an attorney in your area:
Wisconsin Consumer Protection News
New Year Introduces New Protections For California Consumers
SACRAMENTO — The new year will usher in additional protections for consumers, including used-car buyers, homeowners and those who use small claims court, thanks to several new laws, passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, which took effect January 1, 2006. “California consumers will have significantly more protections in the new year,” said Department of Consumer Affairs Director Charlene Zettel. “These new laws will help protect consumers from unscrupulous practices and ensure a fair marketplace.” Among the most significant of these laws (which go into effect January 1 unless otherwise noted) are:
AB 68 (Montanez) AUTO REPAIR — “The Car Buyer’s Bill of Rights.” Effective July 1, 2006, this bill provides the buyer of a used car that has a purchase price of less than $40,000 with the right to a contract cancellation option agreement. It also makes it a violation of the Vehicle Code for a dealer to advertise for sale or sell a used vehicle as “certified,” unless the vehicle meets certain specified standards. In addition it requires dealers to notify buyers of the cash price and the financing cost of any extra items. AB 316 (Nakanishi) CONTRACTORS — This bill unifies and clarifies the standard requirements for home improvement contracts and service and repair contracts, making them easier for both the contractor and consumer to understand and use. It clarifies that both types of contract must have everything in writing, and that for both types of contract the “Right to Cancel” clauses are triggered when the consumer receives his or her copy of the agreement.
SB 422 (Simitan)/AB 1459 (Canciamilla) SMALL CLAIMS COURT — These bills raise the jurisdictional limit for most individuals who sue in small claims court to $7,500, from $5,000. They also require, effective July 1, 2006, that each temporary judge take a court-offered course on small claims. SB 581 (Figueroa) HEALTH CLUB CONTRACTS — This bill makes various changes to health club contract law. It changes the timeframe in which consumers may cancel the contract and get a prorated refund, depending on the total amount of the contract. It also changes the amount a health studio may charge as part of the contract, and requiring that facilities that have not yet opened to hold moneys received in trust. SB 914 (Kehoe) ANIMAL CRUELTY — Prohibits the selling of puppies under eight weeks of age by anyone other than an animal sheltering agency, pet dealer or rescue group, without written approval from a licensed veterinarian. In addition to these bills, California will see a number of new laws in 2006 designed to prevent identity theft.
Definition:
Intentional deception resulting in injury to another.
Residual Value
Definition:
The end-of-term value of the item established at the beginning of the lease and used in calculating your base monthly payment. The residual value is deducted from the adjusted capitalized cost to determine the depreciation and any amortized amounts. It is an estimate that may be determined in part by using residual value guidebooks. The residual value may be higher or lower than the realized value at the scheduled end of the lease.
Implied warranties
Definition:
under state law, consumers are guaranteed certain implied warranties. A “warranty of merchantability” comes automatically with every sale and is the seller’s promise that a product is fit for its ordinary use.
Legal Disclaimers All attorney listings are a paid attorney advertisement, and do not in any way constitute a referral or endorsement by an approved or authorized lawyer referral service. The information provided on Wisconsin Consumer Protection Lawyers.com is not intended to be legal advice, but merely conveys
general information related to legal issues commonly encountered. Your access
to and use of this website is subject to additional Terms
and Conditions.
Local Professional? Generate new business today
Call 866-227-9356 or contact a sales rep
Did You Know?