Posted: | March 23, 2017 01:38 PM |
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From: | Senator John R. Gordner |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Creating a Recreational Vehicle specific law |
In the very near future, I will introduce legislation that would create a recreational vehicle (RV) specific law which would govern RV dealers, manufacturers, and salespeople. Under current law, RVs are lumped in with other automotive dealers which is problematic for numerous reasons. Automotive dealers work specifically with one type of manufacturer such as GM or Ford whereas RV dealers work with many manufacturers at one time. Therefore, the franchisee law for automobiles does not work well for recreational vehicles (RVs). Further, by its nature, RVs are made up of many different parts from different manufacturers. The engine and chassis will come from one company while the awning is provided by another manufacturer, and the interior appliances are supplied by a third company. It no longer makes sense to keep these very different vehicles in a law where they do not appropriately fit. Pennsylvania is a leading state in the manufacture, dealing and purchases of RVs in the United States. We are home to the largest RV show in America. Under current law, Recreation Vehicles are governed by: Title 63, Chapter 22A – Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons Title 63, Chapter 28- Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs Title 73, Chapter 4 – Fair Trade and Business Practices Title 73, Chapter 28A – New Motor Vehicle Damage Disclosure Act Title 75, P1, Chapter 1 – Definitions and conforming Amendments Right now consumers and the industry are being hindered by a set of laws that were not written for an industry that has experienced significant growth. Thus far, 18 states have adopted this method of centralizing Recreation Vehicle laws to ensure that the business and consumer has a clear law moving forward. My bill will include industry-standard definitions on motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel trailers, folding camping trailers, park model RVs, and truck campers. Currently these are covered by the automobile franchise law, but would be moved to the centralized RV law. It will also include: Written agreements, territory and alteration of agreements between dealers and manufacturers Cancellation, termination or non-renewal of dealer manufacturer agreements Repurchase of inventory post-termination of agreement between manufacturer and dealer Succession or transfer of a dealership Warranty obligations Indemnification of a dealer from warranty or co-warranty of manufacturer products Inspection or rejection of a RV before acceptance from a dealer Description of Coercion Mediation description and outline Please join me in cosponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as SB764