Dealer Legislation Update

The next two weeks hold the last chance for passage of SB 1169, the dealer supported legislation in Pennsylvania.

According to a summary from the sponsor, SB1169:

• Prevents manufacturers “from unduly using their influence to prevent a local dealer from purchasing the equipment of a competitive manufacturer or supplier.”
• Prevents manufacturers from requiring dealers to have separate repair facilities for each brand.
• Protects dealers from having their franchises terminated without cause.
• Bars manufacturers from insisting on mandatory arbitration clauses to resolve disputes.

SB1169 was passed earlier this year by the State Senate and assigned to the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

The House and Senate return to voting sessions on Sept. 24 and the two chambers are only in session for about eight to 10 days before a lengthy Election season break.

Lawmakers have called off the traditional post-election “lame-duck” session, which means any work that isn’t finished before the end of October will have to start from scratch in 2013.