Committee hears testimony on HB2030 to exclude trailer dealers from parts of vehicle-dealer licensing law

The Committee on Transportation held a hearing on House Bill 2030, which would exclude dealers and manufacturers of certain non-motorized trailers from specified provisions of the vehicle dealers and manufacturers licensing act (found in Article 24 of Chapter 8 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated). Revisor Wagner summarized the bill and its scope and the committee heard proponent and neutral testimony.

Revisor Wagner told the committee the bill “would exclude dealers and manufacturers of trailers from certain provisions of the vehicle dealers and manufacturers licensing act,” and that the act’s licensing and other provisions remain in statute. He said the exclusions are listed in subsection (a) (lines noted in the bill text) and that the exclusions would not apply to semi-trailers and travel trailers.

Braden Edwards, vice president and general manager of American Trailer World, testified in support and described his company as “the largest manufacturer of hauled or drawn trailers in the country” that makes cargo trailers, dump trailers and equipment haulers (not motorized or livable trailers). Edwards said the bill and a worked amendment would reduce regulatory friction and “harmonize Kansas with how most of the other states are in the country,” allowing independent dealers and big-box retailers to expand in Kansas.

Charles Bradley, legal services, Kansas Department of Revenue, testified neutrally. Bradley said he had identified a potential loophole but that an amendment negotiated by committee staff and stakeholders (credited as Chris’s efforts) “should plug that loophole,” and that with the amendment he had no further concerns. Bradley explained the department remained neutral rather than a formal proponent.

Committee members questioned how the bill would treat hybrid or converted trailers. Revisor Wagner said definitions referenced in the brief are “borrowed from KSA‑1‑26,” and explained that a trailer for exclusion is a non-motor vehicle designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle; trailers with living quarters (recreational vehicles or campers) and semi-trailers remain outside the requested exclusion. Wagner also noted licensing provisions in the act would still apply to dealers and manufacturers where relevant.

Committee staff indicated no fiscal note had been issued at the time of the hearing and that the bill’s effective date in the draft text is publication of the statute book or July 1, 2025. The committee heard no opponent testimony and the chair closed the hearing. No committee vote was recorded during the meeting; HB2030 remains under committee consideration pending amendment and further action.