The Nebraska Legislature has passed LB 972, a measure establishing a distinct legal framework governing the relationship between recreational vehicle manufacturers and dealers, separating the sector from automobile industry regulations.
Lawmakers approved the bill on April 10 by a 48–1 vote as part of a broader transportation package.
The legislation creates a standalone chapter in Nebraska’s state code defining manufacturer-dealer relationships specific to the RV industry, enabling both parties to operate independently from auto dealership statutes.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA on April 16, the measure follows negotiations conducted last year among the RV Industry Association (RVIA), Nebraska RV dealers, and the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association, all of which supported the bill.
Legislative leadership on the measure included Senators Beau Ballard of Lincoln, Mike Moser of Columbus, and John Fredrickson of Omaha.
Governor Jim Pillen signed LB 972 into law on April 15. The statute is scheduled to take effect October 1.
The law is based on a model manufacturer-dealer agreement developed by the RVIA and the RV Dealers Association. It requires written agreements between manufacturers and dealers and specifies conditions under which agreements may be terminated, including repurchase obligations.
Additional provisions address the transfer and succession of dealership agreements, warranty requirements, and dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation.
The legislation also outlines standards for pre-delivery inspection, indemnification, and penalties tied to noncompliance.
Beyond contractual provisions, LB 972 updates several regulatory definitions and standards. The bill defines various types of recreational vehicles, extends the allowable length of fifth-wheel trailers to 46 feet, and removes van conversions from the statutory definition of an RV.
It also updates references to the ANSI A119.5 Park Model RV Standard to the 2025 version.
The RVIA’s State Government Affairs team testified in support of the measure in February before the Nebraska Senate Committee on Transportation and Telecommunications. Testimony was also provided by Nick Staab of Rich & Sons RV in Grand Island and Andy Mullins of AC Nelsen RV World in Omaha.