Consumer Protection - Agricultural Equipment Warranties

HB 1395 requires farmers who purchase new agricultural equipment to provide written notice (via certified mail) to manufacturers or dealers about defects during the warranty period. It mandates that manufacturers or dealers correct defects within 30 days at no cost to the farmer, even if repairs occur after the warranty expires. If repeated repair attempts fail to fix issues that substantially impair the equipment’s use or value, farmers can choose a replacement or refund. The bill applies to self-propelled farm vehicles (excluding lawn mowers, ATVs, or off-road vehicles) sold on or after January 1, 2026, and makes warranty violations subject to enforcement under Maryland’s Consumer Protection Act.