MarylandHB 13952026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Consumer Protection - Agricultural Equipment Warranties

Sponsored By: Jay A. Jacobs (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Commercial Law - Consumer ProtectionAgriculture -see also- Agritourism; Cannabis Prd; Farm; etc.Civil Actions -see also- Small ClaimsClaimsConsumer ProtectionEquipment -see also- Charging; Med. Equip.; MV Equip; etc.Industry and ManufacturingNoticesPenalties and Sentences -see also- Death PenaltyReimbursementsStandards and Best PracticesUnfair Trade PracticesWarranties

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4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Free warranty repairs for farm equipment

Beginning October 1, 2026, the law covers new self-propelled farming vehicles sold in Maryland on or after January 1, 2026. It protects buyers purchasing for use rather than resale, people receiving equipment during its warranty, and others entitled to enforce the warranty. It excludes equipment under 25 horsepower, lawn tractors, lawn mowers, off-road vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and special mobile equipment. The warranty period lasts until the written warranty ends or one year after delivery to the first consumer, whichever is later. You must notify the manufacturer or factory branch during that period by certified mail, return receipt requested, and allow a repair opportunity. A dealer receiving notice must notify the manufacturer. The manufacturer, factory branch, agent, or authorized dealer must fix covered problems free within 30 days after receiving notice, even if the warranty ends before repairs finish.

Replacement or refunds for faulty farm equipment

Beginning October 1, 2026, covered farm equipment sold on or after January 1, 2026, qualifies for replacement or refund rights. After reasonable repair attempts fail, the problem must seriously harm the equipment’s use and market value. You can choose comparable equipment acceptable to you or a purchase-price refund, including license, registration, and similar government charges. Refunds subtract reasonable amounts for use and damage unrelated to the defect or normal wear, and pay you and any lienholder according to your interests. Four or more repairs of the same continuing problem during the warranty period create a presumption that enough attempts occurred. So do 30 total calendar days out of service for repairs during the season of use and warranty period. Days when a same-function substitute is offered or provided do not count. The presumption requires prior direct written notice and a chance to repair; businesses can defend claims involving insufficient harm, abuse, neglect, or unauthorized changes. The warranty term, warranty period, and 30-day out-of-service clock are extended while repairs are unavailable because of war, invasion, strike, fire, flood, or another natural disaster.

Lower bad-faith damages for farm buyers

Beginning October 1, 2026, the bad-faith damages cap for farm equipment warranty cases drops from $10,000 to $5,000. This cap applies when a court finds bad faith by a manufacturer, factory branch, agent, or authorized distributor. An award is not automatic, and the cap limits bad-faith damages rather than all available remedies.

Farm warranty lawsuits have filing limits

Beginning October 1, 2026, consumers suffering a loss from a farm equipment warranty violation can bring a civil lawsuit. You must file within 24 months after the earlier of original delivery or reaching 600 hours of operation. Violations also count as unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practices under Maryland’s consumer protection law, with its enforcement tools and penalties. Courts can award up to $5,000 in additional damages for bad faith by a manufacturer, factory branch, agent, or authorized distributor. The law preserves other legal rights and remedies.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Jay A. Jacobs
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Terry L. Baker
Republican • House
Barry Beauchamp
Republican • House
Jason C. Buckel
Republican • House
Barrie S. Ciliberti
Republican • House
Jefferson L. Ghrist
Republican • House
Kevin B. Hornberger
Republican • House
Seth A. Howard
Republican • House
Thomas S. Hutchinson
Republican • House
Susan K. McComas
Republican • House
Teresa E. Reilly
Republican • House
Kent Roberson
Democratic • House
Stuart Michael Schmidt
Republican • House
Todd B. Morgan
Republican • House
William J. Wivell
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 176 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/18/2026