A bill introduced by Rep. Laura Baird (D-Okemos) into the Michigan House would amend the wheelchair "lemon" law that was introduced and passed in 1991. Baird's proposed amendments would add assistive devices, including all aids that enhance mobility and telecommunication devices designed specifically for people with disabilities, said Melissa Kaltenbach, aide to Baird.
"The bill was voted out of committee Sept. 25 with the understanding that we would work on it before taking it to the House floor," said Kaltenbach. Areas of contention include expansion of warranty lengths and definitions of included technologies, said Kaltenbach.
Baird is modeling her amendments on a Louisiana bill that was signed into law in 1993. "The Louisiana bill is supposed to be the most comprehensive passed to date," said Kaltenbach. "That's what we're using as an example."
Baird and Kaltenbach hope to finalize their amendments and gain passage of the bill before the new session begins in late January, 1997.