In a landmark decision on April 3, 2024, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 605, setting a new legal precedent for the RV industry within the state. This legislation, designed to govern the relationship between RV manufacturers and dealers, now awaits Governor Wes Moore’s signature to become law.
Delegate Dana Stein of Baltimore and Senator Mike McKay of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties spearheaded the bill’s passage. Their leadership was instrumental in navigating HB 605 through the legislative process, aiming to modernize and clarify the manufacturer-dealer dynamic specific to the RV sector.
The bill draws upon a nationally negotiated RV-specific model law, which received unanimous agreement from national RV manufacturers’ and dealers’ associations three years ago.
This model law serves as the foundation for similar legislative efforts in other states, including recent enactments in Wisconsin and Washington, reflecting a broader movement towards recognizing the unique needs of the RV industry at the legislative level.
Significant support for HB 605 came from within Maryland, particularly from the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and local RV dealers, as per the News & Insights report of the association.
Advocacy efforts included testimonies from Sophie de la Torre, the RV Industry Association’s Senior Manager of State Affairs, and Michael Ochs, Director of State Affairs, who spoke before Maryland legislative committees to highlight the bill’s potential benefits.
The legislation aims to distinctly separate the RV industry from the automotive sector within Maryland’s legal framework, acknowledging the unique aspects of RV manufacturing and dealership operations.
This separation is anticipated to bring clarity, fairness, and operational efficiency to the RV industry in Maryland, benefiting consumers, manufacturers, and dealers alike.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the bill, with Greg Merkel, President of Leo’s Vacation Center in Gambrills, MD, expressing his support. Merkel noted the legislation’s role in defining clearer requirements between manufacturers and dealers, which, in turn, is expected to enhance the consumer experience.
The Association has long advocated for such legislative differentiation, arguing that the nuances of RV manufacturing and sales necessitate distinct legal treatment from traditional automobiles. HB 605 represents a significant achievement in these efforts, marking a move towards greater legal clarity for RV businesses and consumers.
As Maryland stands on the verge of enacting this pivotal legislation, the RV industry looks forward to the positive changes it will bring. The bill not only promises to enhance the state’s RV industry but also sets a precedent that could influence similar legislative efforts across the United States.
For more information on the implications of this legislation and its impact on the RV industry, stakeholders are encouraged to contact Sophie de la Torre at the RV Industry Association.