HHP is pleased to announce we are sponsoring a bill that would fix problems with the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. SB 1326 (Roth) would give the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (Board) the authority to specify regulations that would clarify warranty provisions in purchase agreements for hearing aids.

The law specifies a 30-day warranty for assistive devices. However, the uniqueness of the fitting process has created ambiguity on when the 30-day period for a warranty begins. According to the warranty language, "If the device is not specifically fit for your [the consumer's] particular needs, it may be returned to the seller within 30 days of the date of actual receipt by you or completion of fitting by the seller, whichever occurs first." Clarification is needed on when the 30-day period begins.

The Board enforces the warranty provisions of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act related to hearing aids, and handles consumer complaints related to warranties. Presently, the 30-day start date is left to interpretation by both buyers and sellers of hearing aids. The vagueness of the language makes it very difficult for the Board to mediate complaints.

If SB 1326 becomes law, the Board will have clear authority to enforce the Song-Beverly Warranty Act as it relates to hearing aids, to the benefit of both consumers and retail sellers of hearing aids. HHP therefore asks it members to support this important legislation.

Text of SB 1326

Fact Sheet

Legislative Fly-in Flyer