By Bob Katzen

The Financial Services Committee held a hearing on a bill that would mandate a ten-business day deadline for the completion of motorized wheelchair repairs, with a couple of exceptions.

“The bill … models a law recently passed in Connecticut,” said sponsor Rep. Jim O’Day (D-West Boylston). “This proposal requires the repair of a motorized wheelchair to be completed within ten days, differing from a bill filed in the Senate that aims to extend warranty provisions. While I believe the House bill is easier to understand for both consumers and providers, both approaches seek to target the same issue – a consolidated market for repairs that leaves persons with disabilities and wheelchair users stranded and without options. At the end of the day, the goal is to expand consumer protection and dramatically improve life for Massachusetts residents who use wheelchairs.”