Bills in at least two states are moving through state legislatures to allow for Paintless Dent Removal (PDR) services as a form of service contract. In New York, SB 2092 has advanced to its Third Reading in the Senate and would amend the state’s definition of “service contract” by including a contract offered by or for the supplier or seller of PDR services. Consistent with other state laws governing such agreements, this bill does not allow a service contract to include services that involve the replacement of vehicle body panels, sanding, bonding or painting. In Wyoming, House Bill 90 was signed by the Governor last week and amends existing law by permiting service contracts to offer similar PDR services. The new Wyoming law further provides that a service contract may provide road hazard protection by allowing for the repair or replacement of tires or wheels damaged as a result of coming into contact with ordinary road hazards such as potholes, curbs and glass. Such an agreement offered by a tire or wheel manufacturer is exempt from regulation under the state’s service contract law. As drafted, the legislation in both states would appear to allow such contracts to be offered on a stand-alone basis and not be required as a component of a broader mechanical breakdown type of service contract. The Wyoming bill is effective July 1, 2010. Check back for updates on the New York legislation.
