Legislative Update
New Hampshire: The attempt to declare almost every piece of farm equipment our members manufacture as a “motor vehicle” continues in the state of New Hampshire following the state Senate vote 21-Yes, 2-No to pass this major change to contract law. The bill (SB126) has been assigned to a House subcommittee with a work session scheduled for April 25.
If passed out of committee the bills fate will be determined by the massive 400 member House of Representatives. We continue to oppose this legislation in New Hampshire.
Maine: Last week, Maine Governor Paul LePage, signed LD-364 into law, prohibiting a manufacturer from assessing a surcharge to recover the additional costs of complying with state mandated warranty compensation to dealers in the state. This law is designed to shield Maine’s equipment dealers from baring the very costs they continue to bring on themselves and their customers through their support of state legislative mandates.
Not only does this law force manufacturers to spread Maine mandated costs to customers in other states, it’s part of a clear pattern by northeast equipment dealers, attempting to extend state laws covering franchised automobile dealers to farm equipment dealerships. That disturbing trend should get the attention of every shortline manufacturer.
Why would a governor who claims to be pro business and supportive of free enterprise sign such a bill when his state has a long list of job killing issues to deal with?
Maine a Very Taxing State:
- 7th highest overall state & local tax burden
- 6th highest property taxes
- 9th highest business taxes
- 6th highest death tax
- 8th highest residential electricity costs
- State spending up 80% since 1995
- State employees earn 20.5% more than private sector.
With this rather long list of problems facing the state, last month the Governor took time to sign “emergency St. Patrick’s day legislation” allowing bars to start serving drinks at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.