In a significant move for Ohio’s recreational vehicle industry, State Senator Andrew Brenner has introduced Senate Bill 306, a piece of legislation aimed at creating an RV-specific franchise law according to a press release. This bill, introduced on August 1 is largely based on the model legislation developed by the RV Industry Association and RV Dealers Association.
The proposed legislation seeks to add new definitions to the current franchise law, including “recreational vehicle franchise,” “recreational vehicle franchisor,” and “recreational vehicle franchisee.” These additions are designed to provide clarity and specificity to the RV sector within Ohio’s legal framework.
A key provision of Senate Bill 306 is the exemption of RV franchises from sections 4517.50 to 4517.65 of the Ohio Revised Code, which primarily deal with automobile franchises. Instead, new sections (4517.70 to 4517.79) would be created to address RV-specific franchise obligations, recognizing the unique nature of the RV industry compared to the automobile sector.
Senator Brenner, who serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, anticipates that the bill will be referred to this committee when the Ohio Legislature reconvenes in early November. He anticipates a hearing will be scheduled soon after the referral, providing an opportunity for stakeholders to voice their opinions on the proposed law.
The RV Industry Association has expressed strong support for Senate Bill 306. The association plans to testify in favor of the bill at future hearings, underscoring the importance of this legislation to the RV industry in Ohio.
This legislative effort is part of a broader initiative by the RV industry to establish exemptions from parts of automobile franchise laws across various states. The reasoning behind this initiative is that many provisions in automobile franchise laws do not apply to the RV industry or are handled differently by RV manufacturers and dealers.
The introduction of an RV-specific franchise law represents a significant step towards placing the manufacturer-dealer relationship for towable RVs in a separate chapter of law. This move is expected to provide greater clarity for RV businesses and consumers, potentially streamlining operations and improving the overall ecosystem of the RV industry in Ohio.
Similar RV-specific franchise laws have already been approved in other states earlier this year. Wisconsin, Washington, and Maryland have all enacted such legislation, setting a precedent for Ohio to follow. These laws have garnered positive reception, with industry stakeholders noting their potential to enhance relationships between manufacturers and dealers while modernizing regulatory structures.
The RV Industry Association has expressed gratitude to Senator Brenner for his leadership on this important issue. His introduction of Senate Bill 306 aligns with the association’s long-term advocacy for RV-specific legislation that addresses the unique aspects of the RV industry.
As the legislation progresses through the legislative process, it will be closely watched by RV manufacturers, dealers, and enthusiasts across Ohio. The potential impact of this legislation on the state’s RV industry could be significant, potentially setting a new standard for how RV franchises operate within the state.
The introduction of Senate Bill 306 represents a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs of the RV industry in Ohio. By crafting legislation specifically for the RV sector, lawmakers aim to create a more conducive environment for business growth and consumer satisfaction in this important segment of the state’s economy.
As the bill moves forward, it will be crucial for all stakeholders in Ohio’s RV industry to stay informed about its progress and potential implications. The coming months will likely see increased discussion and debate around the merits of this RV-specific franchise legislation, as Ohio considers joining the ranks of states with laws tailored to the unique dynamics of the RV market.
