Assembly Approves Farm Equipment Lemon Law Bill

Today, State Representative Joy Goeben (R-Hobart) voted yes on Assembly Bill 14 that protects farmers from defective farm equipment.

“Farming is the true lifeblood of Wisconsin. It is essential that we do everything we can to support our farmers so they can carry on with their work uninterrupted by defective equipment,” said Rep. Goeben. “This bill will give confidence to our farmers as they invest in new equipment, knowing that if it does not perform as expected, they have recourse.”

The bill allows defective implements and equipment to be repaired and/or replaced when they break down. The bill is modeled after Wisconsin’s already existing lemon law for trucks, cars and other vehicles, which has been on the books since 1984.

One of the greatest expenses for farmers is their equipment. This law brings farm equipment the same protections that already exist for cars and trucks. A number of other Midwestern states already have farm equipment lemon laws. Passing this bill helps Wisconsin farmers remain competive regionally and in a global market.

“We need to protect the huge investments that farmers make in their equipment,” Goeben continued. “With the passage of this bill, farmers in my district, and across the state, can now be confident making investments in new, more efficient equipment.”

After the bill passed the Assembly on a voice vote, it was immediately messaged to the Senate.

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The 5th Assembly District encompasses portions of Outagamie and Brown Counties, including the communities of Hobart, Kaukauna, Freedom, Ashwaubenon, and Little Chute.