BOSTON - The Massachusetts State Senate introduced consumer protections on Thursday covering three major areas, auto purchases, third party electric companies and homeowners’ insurance. Right now, Senate leaders say there are gaps in the law. 

“Consumers who have been scammed by the bad actors in this industry have tried doing the right thing. They've called the Attorney General's Office for assistance. They're using their state agencies as they should, to advocate on their behalf,” said Sen. Paul Feeney (D- Bristol and Norfolk) “Yet the attorney general has their hands tied. If our laws are not modernized and that they don't protect consumers as they should.”

Senators say the laws protecting consumers purchasing cars have some loopholes. Like lemon laws starting on day of purchase, and not date of delivery of the vehicle. As well as manufacturer warranties which can expire if a second owner buys the car. 

They want consumers to have a clear idea of what they are getting for the price paid. 

“This legislation that we are going to be today gives the Attorney General's Office the tools that she needs to protect our constituents from unethical sellers that simply rip off Massachusetts residents to line their own pockets,” said Feeney. 

The other bills would mandate homeowners insurance companies cover heating oil spills. The senators say only 16% of homeowners with oil in their homes are covered if it spills, and cleanup and restoration can cost hundreds of thousand of dollars. 

The third consumer protection law would ban third party electric companies. These companies often solicit people on the promise of cheaper utility bills, and then jack up the price. 

“It's we've seen it play out in Massachusetts, where communities like mine, like the city of Lynn, are targeted because of their proportion of folks were English as a second language, senior citizens, students, renters,” said Sen. Brendan Crighton (D- Third Essex). “Definitely low income neighborhoods where they, again, use deceptive practices to get that sign up at a certain rate, only to see it, balloon and the prices skyrocket. so, you know, as was mentioned by, Benny earlier, this bill today would prevent that in the future and keep the hard-earned money of our constituents in their pockets.”

All three of this bills were passed through the Senate on Thursday.