HF 287 – Counterfeit, nonfunctional or unsafe airbags
FLOOR ACTION:
HF 287 provides that anyone who manufactures, imports, installs or sells a device to replace an air bag, and who knows that the device is counterfeit, nonfunctional or unsafe, is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor and an unlawful act of consumer fraud.
The bill also provides that anyone who manufactures, imports, installs, tampers with or sells a device that causes a vehicle’s diagnostic system to inaccurately indicate it is equipped with a functional air bag when it is not is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor and an unlawful act of consumer fraud.
An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by up to two years in prison and up to a $6,250 fine. The bill defines “air bag,” “counterfeit air bag,” and “nonfunctional air bag,” and provides that an air bag is unsafe when it does not comply with federal safety requirements. The bill takes effect upon enactment. [4/13: 47-0 (Bertrand, Chelgren, Zumbach absent)]