A Rhode Island bill that “provides that insurance companies may not mandate the use of aftermarket parts without the owner’s consent on motor vehicles less than 48 months beyond manufacture date” has been enacted into law. However, the law, which began as SB 2679, excludes auto glass parts, noting that “this chapter shall not apply to the repair or replacement of motor vehicle glass 13 performed by licensed motor vehicle glass repair shops pursuant to chapter 38.5 of title 5.”
The bill was introduced on March 20 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. The committee recommended passage of the bill on May 8 and the Senate passed an amended version of the bill on May 15 and referred it to the House Corporations Committee. The House passed a substituted version of the bill on June 22 and the Senate passed the substituted version on June 23. It became effective on July 4.
The bill was introduced by Sen. Maryellen Goodwin, Dominick Ruggerio and Michael McCaffrey.
Click here for the full text of the substituted version of the new law.