Committee concurs to add RV dealers to motor-vehicle dealer protections, clarify off-premise sales

The House Transportation Committee unanimously concurred in Senate Bill 341 on Feb. 12, 2025, a bill that would add recreational vehicle dealers to Montana's definition of motor-vehicle dealers and clarify where off-premise displays and sales may occur. Senator Barry Usher sponsored the bill.

"This will give RV dealers certain rights and protections from manufacturers that currently enjoy by other motorized dealers," Usher told the committee in his opening remarks. Proponents — including Brandon Bretz, owner of two RV dealerships in Missoula; Stewart Doggett of the Montana Manufactured Housing and RV Association; Mark Rispens of DRV Center; and Eric Hinkle, general counsel for Brett's RV and Marine — described the bill as aligning RV dealers with protections already enjoyed by automobile, boat and powersports dealers.

Brandon Bretz summarized the dealers' concerns: the bill would help ensure "fair and timely compensation for warranty and recall work," provide greater transparency around dealer agreements and allocations of inventory, and protect dealers from manufacturer-imposed facility upgrades or forced vendor relationships. Eric Hinkle told the committee the bill "proposes to simply include recreational vehicles within the definition of motor vehicle under Title 61 chapter 4 part 2 of the Montana code," and that the bill would also clarify off-premise sales rules.

Committee members asked technical questions. Representative Clacken asked whether "off-premise" meant shows at stadiums or out-of-county events; witnesses explained off-premise generally covers displays outside the dealer's lot and can include events within a dealer's manufacturer territory. Representative Knutson questioned whether placing recreational vehicles into the motor-vehicle definition would create registration or classification issues because many RVs are towable; witnesses said they had vetted the change with the Department of Justice Motor Vehicle Division and were told the division had no reservations. Representative Byrne asked whether the bill applies to new or used dealerships; witnesses said it applies to new dealerships.

Vice Chair Wirth moved concurrence; the committee approved the motion by voice vote, with Vice Chair Baum announcing proxy ayes for Representatives Cafaro, Fitzpatrick, Staffman and Sullivan. The committee recorded the motion as passed unanimously. Representative Darling volunteered to carry the bill on the House floor.