Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Commerce Manufacturer Dealer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances RV manufacturer–dealer bill to create a separate statutory franchise framework
Summary
The committee advanced a substitute for Senate Bill 287 to create a separate statutory framework governing dealer–manufacturer relationships in the recreational vehicle industry; sponsors said the model has been adopted in numerous other states and solves industry-specific issues not covered by automobile franchise law.
Senate Bill 287 (committee substitute) would create a separate governing chapter for manufacturer‑dealer relationships in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry. Supporters — including both RV manufacturers and dealers — told the committee the RV business model differs fundamentally from the automobile franchise model and therefore requires tailored statutory rules on warranty repair, parts supply, dealer protections and dispute resolution.
Testimony included national trade organization representatives, local dealers and manufacturer witnesses who said the substitute reflects model language adopted in more than 20 other states and incorporates consumer‑protection provisions drawn from existing motor-vehicle franchise law.
Committee members indicated they would move technical and venue questions to Judiciary, where more detailed legal review is customary for franchise‑style statutes. The committee recorded a do‑pass committee recommendation for the substitute, with sponsors and supporters saying the measure standardizes expectations for dealers and manufacturers and helps preserve local service capacity for consumers.
The panel said remaining questions — including transitional rules for existing contracts, venue and attorney‑fee provisions — will be addressed in the next committee stop.
