Bill Extends Lemon Law to Military

By Martin Zimmerman, Times Staff Writer, From Reuters - Military personnel battling with carmakers over defective automobiles may soon get some backup from state lawmakers.

The state's lemon law, passed in the early 1980s, makes it easier for consumers to get refunds on defective new and used vehicles still covered by a manufacturer's warranty.

Currently, the law applies only to vehicles purchased in California. If you buy a car out of state and then move to California — a not uncommon scenario for the 160,000 military personnel stationed here — the vehicle isn't covered.

SB 234, a bill sponsored by state Sen. Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro), would extend the protection to all active duty military personnel stationed in California, as long as their vehicles were purchased in the United States. To read full article, click here.