Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed SB 484 into law on Friday, April 4, establishing a franchise law specific to the recreational vehicle industry.
The legislation will go into effect on July 1 and marks a significant shift in how manufacturer–dealer relationships are defined in the state.
The new law, supported by the RV Industry Association (RVIA), the RV Indiana Council, and local dealers, outlines detailed provisions that reflect the unique structure of the RV industry. It was sponsored by Senator Blake Doriot and Representatives Doug Miller, Joanna King, and Dave Heine, all Republicans representing Indiana districts.
The bill requires a written manufacturer-dealer agreement and sets forth specific terms under which the agreement can be terminated by either party. It includes language addressing repurchase provisions, succession planning, warranty terms, and dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA, the legislation mirrors similar bills passed last year in Wisconsin, Washington, and Maryland. It also aligns with the model bill developed jointly by RVIA and the RV Dealers Association to better represent the operational realities of RV businesses.
In testimony before the Indiana Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation in January, Michael Ochs, RVIA’s Director of State Affairs, spoke in favor of the bill.
Sophie de la Torre, the association’s senior manager of state affairs, also advocated before the Indiana House Committee on Roads and Transportation in March.