On Tuesday, June 16, the RV Industry Association (RVIA)’s Director of State Affairs Gaby Gilbeau testified before the Delaware House Economic Development/Banking/Insurance & Commerce Committee in opposition to Senate Bill 286.
The bill would amend the RV-specific franchise law in Delaware governing manufacturer-dealer agreements for RVs, specifically expanding the definition of “covered vehicles” to include products that have not traditionally been regulated under the RV franchise framework in any other state. The products that would be added to the definition of “new recreational vehicle” include off-highway vehicles, side-by-sides and ATVs. The bill would also adversely revise provisions related to warranty reimbursement, dealer obligations and other aspects of the manufacturer-dealer relationship.
While Gilbeau expressed the association’s concerns to the committee, the members ultimately voted to move the bill out of committee. Gilbeau and the State Team will continue working with the committee and the bill’s sponsors to amend the legislation or hold it until the next legislative session, when these concerns can be addressed.
The hearing and Gilbeau’s testimony can be viewed in video format here. (The hearing on the bill begins at 1:00:55, and Gaby Gilbeau begins testifying at 1:02:19)
