Described as ‘unfair,’ warranty bill passes anyway

Over the objections of Northeastern lumber dealers and manufacturers, Connecticut’s Product Warranty Bill was approved by the state legislature.

It is expected to go to the governor’s office for approval in July.

The bill, S.B. 821, would require all roofing, window, and siding manufacturers to cover all labor and replacement costs in their product warranties. The bill also requires manufacturers to settle claims and make payments within 30 days of receipt of a warranty claim.

The Northeaster Retail Lumber Association describe the bill as “extremely vague.” Also, it doesn’t take into account improper installation, misuse and other reasons for defects that shouldn’t be expected to be covered under a warranty.

“Connecticut’s Product Warranty Bill is bad for businesses and consumers,” explained Ashley Ranslow, the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association’s (NRLA) manager of government relations. “The bill puts an unfair and undue burden on roofing, window, and siding manufacturers, who already protect consumers from legitimate product defects or failures in their current warranties.”

Despite grass roots efforts to block the bill, it went to the floor June 7 and was passed by a vote of 80-70.

The bill will affect any roofing, window, and siding manufacturer who sells their products in Connecticut, the NRLA said.