I ordered an iPad a couple weeks ago and tried to order the AppleCare warranty. I then received a notice saying this had to be removed from my order because Apple had not yet received “regulatory approval” yet for my state (Texas). I just received this email from Apple:

You were notified recently that AppleCare Protection Plan was pending regulatory approval in your state and this item was canceled from your order.

We are pleased to tell you that Apple is now authorized to sell the AppleCare Protection Plan for iPad in your state.

Please reply to this email if you would like us to add AppleCare Protection Plan for iPad back to your order.

Sincerely,
The Apple Store Team

As my fellow blogger Brian Martinez noted, it’s ridiculous Apple needed the state’s permission to offer a warranty for its own product. Thank God the state is here to protect us!