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Wisconsin Assembly Approves Lemon Law Changes

Wisconsin's Assembly has passed a bill making changes to the state's lemon law which covers when consumers can sue auto manufacturers. The bill passed 88-8 on Wednesday. Most Democrats removed their opposition after bill sponsor Rep. Bill Kramer worked with them and trial attorneys on a compromise.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Wisconsin's Assembly has passed a bill making changes to the state's lemon law which covers when consumers can sue auto manufacturers.

The bill passed 88-8 on Wednesday. Most Democrats removed their opposition after bill sponsor Rep. Bill Kramer worked with them and trial attorneys on a compromise.

Kramer says his intent was never to gut the state's lemon law. Democratic Rep. Gary Hebl says the new version is an improvement, but it still hurts consumers.

The bill would remove the ability to receive double damages in such cases and shorten the deadline for bringing a lawsuit from six years after purchasing a faulty vehicle to three years.

The bill is backed by the state's largest business lobbying group as well as a coalition of vehicle manufacturers and dealers.

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