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Senate Acts to Strengthen Consumer Protections
BOSTON—The Massachusetts Senate acted yesterday (2/12/26) to strengthen consumer rights for people who buy new and used vehicles. The measure expands the state’s car buyer protection law. The Senate also increased the mileage covered by used-car warranties. Moreover, it strengthened the bonds that give relief to victims of auto sale fraud.
Extended Lemon Law Timeline
Lengthening the state’s Lemon Law timeline, customers who purchase a new or used vehicle would have 7 days after delivery to void the sale if the vehicle fails inspection.
Expanded Used-Car Warranties
The bill would also increase the maximum mileage for used-vehicle warranties by 50,000 miles—up to 175,000 miles. This change protects drivers who buy older, more affordable cars.
Leaders Emphasize Consumer Relief
“For most families, buying a car is a necessity, not a luxury,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “When a car purchase goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating.”
“This law ensures Massachusetts consumers have clear rights, real recourse, and confidence when making one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairs Rodrigues and Payano. I am especially thankful to Senator Feeney for his dedication to strengthening these protections.”
“The Senate has made consumer rights and protection a priority for Massachusetts residents, and this legislation supports that message,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
He continued, “This bill expands the current Lemon Law. Importantly, it makes a distinction in voiding vehicle transactions by starting the seven-day window from vehicle delivery rather than the purchase date.”
“In addition to expanding the warranty for older vehicles, this legislation also holds car and truck dealers liable by increasing the surety bond they must post. Furthermore, it also makes it easier for purchasers who are the victims of fraud to make claims.”
New Surety Bond Requirements
Protecting consumers from the effects of fraud, the legislation doubles the surety bond that used car dealers are required to post to obtain their license, up to $50,000. The bond is held for the benefit of any buyers who experience fraud.
Support for Car Lessees
S.2945, An Act modernizing protections for consumers in automobile transactions, also supports people who choose to lease their car. It does this by giving lessees a 21-day grace period to catch up on their payments before their car is repossessed.
Consumer Confidence and Fairness
“For many Massachusetts residents, a car is how they keep a job, get their kids to school, and make medical appointments,” said Senator Pavel M. Payano (D-Lawrence), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.“When a consumer buys a lemon, they are left to bear the financial burden with inadequate protection under our state’s current laws.”
Payano continued, “This legislation updates the Commonwealth’s Lemon Law to match today’s marketplace by raising mileage thresholds for warranties, strengthening surety bond requirements, and ensuring consumers have a clear path to relief should they purchase a ‘lemon.’”
“As Chair of the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure, I believe this bill would give Massachusetts residents confidence. Now, when they make a major investment in a used car, they are protected.”
Modernizing Laws for Today’s Market
“When it comes to the purchase of a vehicle—one of the most significant financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime—consumers deserve to know they are protected from financial ruin should that vehicle turn out to be a lemon or fail to meet minimum standards,” said Senator Paul R. Feeney (D-Foxborough), lead sponsor of the legislation.
“The stakes are simply too high when the vast majority of Massachusetts residents rely on their vehicle as a daily lifeline to economic opportunity. This includes transportation to work, school, or other opportunities that keep our Commonwealth moving forward.”
Feeney continued, “By updating consumer protection laws to align with the realities of modern vehicle technology, we are reaffirming our commitment to shielding families from unfair and deceptive practices that can upend their lives. I am grateful to the Attorney General and her office for their continued partnership. I am also grateful to Senate President Spilka and Chairman Rodrigues for their steadfast commitment to protecting Massachusetts consumers.”
Full details of the legislation are available in a fact sheet in the Senate’s press room.
Next Steps for the Bill
The Senate Committee on Ways and Means advanced the bill to the full Senate with a 16-0 vote on February 5, 2026, following approval of a previous version by the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure on November 13, 2025. All committee votes are posted on the Legislature’s website.
The Senate passed the bill 38-0 and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review.
Statements of Support
Attorney General Andrea Campbell
“Buying a car is a major investment, and consumers deserve rights and protections throughout these transactions. I am proud to support this bill, which will extend the Lemon Law’s protections, increase the length of the used vehicle warranty, and expand my office’s ability to stand up for Massachusetts consumers.
I am grateful to Senator Feeney, Chair Rodrigues, and Senate President Spilka for their steadfast leadership on this issue, and I look forward to continuing to work with them and House sponsor Representative Carlos González to increase protections for car buyers across the Commonwealth.”
Deirdre Cummings, Legislative Director, MASSPIRG
“Updating the Used Car Lemon Law is good news for consumers. While it’s worked well, vehicles and marketing practices have changed a lot over the past 40 years. Purchasing a car can be one of the most important and expensive purchases a consumer and their family will make. It just makes sense that we have modern, commonsense protections to ensure no one gets squeezed by a ‘lemon.’”
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