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Senate committee hears bill to add RVs to Montana motor‑vehicle franchise protections
Summary
SB 341 would add recreational vehicles to Montana's statutory definition of 'motor vehicle' and clarify off‑premises sales for RV dealers, lawmakers heard. Dealers say the change levels the playing field for warranty reimbursement and territory protections; no opponents appeared.
Senator Barry Usher, sponsor of Senate Bill 341, told the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee that the bill simply adds recreational vehicles (RVs) to Montana’s existing motor‑vehicle franchise laws and clarifies off‑premises sales for RV dealers. "All we're doing is adding recreational vehicles to the existing motor vehicle laws," Usher said in his opening remarks, noting the measure is intended to extend the protections other vehicle dealers already enjoy.
Proponents, including Brandon Bretz of Bretz RV (representing two RV dealerships in Missoula and stores in Butte and Billings), said RV dealers face the same manufacturer‑dealer power imbalances that auto dealers have long addressed through state law. "This bill simply levels the playing field," Bretz said, describing problems with warranty reimbursement, territory enforcement and manufacturer‑imposed facility upgrades that can leave small family dealers absorbing costs.
Stuart Doggett, representing the Montana Manufactured Housing and RV Dealers Association, and Bruce Knutson of the Montana Auto Dealers Association said members worked with manufacturers, the Motor Vehicle Division and the Department of Justice during drafting. Proponents described one practical change: the bill clarifies that dealers may run off‑site shows statewide unless another dealer in the county carries the same brand.
Committee members asked about enforcement and whether conflicts are already resolved by dealers and manufacturers. Bretz said disputes are usually covered in dealer‑manufacturer contracts and in practice are often resolved by agreement, but that the statute creates a necessary backstop. Usher noted dealers must file a form with the Department of Justice before off‑site sales, giving the department authority to intervene before litigation.
No opponents testified in the hearing. Sponsors and backers asked for a do‑pass recommendation to authorize the same franchise and warranty standards for RV dealers that other motor‑vehicle dealers receive.
The committee concluded the SB 341 hearing without a recorded vote; the sponsor asked that it be considered for executive action when scheduled.
