Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1917

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to motor vehicle franchised dealers and the reimbursement of motor vehicle franchised dealers by manufacturers and distributors for warranty, recall, over-the-air, and preparation and delivery work.

Impact

This legislation is expected to have significant implications for state laws governing motor vehicle franchise relationships. Notably, it introduces stricter guidelines on what constitutes reasonable compensation for warranty and recall work, aiming to protect dealers from insufficient reimbursement from manufacturers. The bill also stipulates that any charges made to the dealer must be justified and transparent, thereby reducing the potential for conflict in financial agreements between manufacturers and dealers. If enacted, the bill would ensure that dealers are compensated adequately, which could contribute to the stability of their businesses and improve customer service related to warranty claims.

Summary

SB1917 addresses the relationship between motor vehicle franchised dealers and manufacturers or distributors in the state of Texas. The bill mandates that manufacturers and distributors provide fair and adequate compensation to dealers for various services, including warranty work, recall tasks, and over-the-air updates. Specifically, the legislation amends existing statutes regarding how dealers should be reimbursed for preparation and delivery tasks associated with vehicles. The bill includes definitions for services covered under these reimbursements, ensuring clarity for both dealers and manufacturers regarding their obligations.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for promoting fair compensation for dealers, notable points of contention have emerged during the discussions. Some stakeholders argue that the new reimbursement requirements could impose additional financial burdens on manufacturers, potentially leading to increased vehicle costs for consumers. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the balance of power in the manufacturer-dealer relationship, with some fearing that the bill may not address underlying issues of fairness and transparency in business practices. As such, the evaluation of the bill's provisions may reveal deeper tensions between ensuring dealer protection and maintaining competitive practices within the automotive industry.

Companion Bills

TX HB3859

Identical Relating to motor vehicle franchised dealers and the reimbursement of motor vehicle franchised dealers by manufacturers and distributors for warranty, recall, over-the-air, and preparation and delivery work.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3859

Relating to motor vehicle franchised dealers and the reimbursement of motor vehicle franchised dealers by manufacturers and distributors for warranty, recall, over-the-air, and preparation and delivery work.

TX H0989

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers

TX S1562

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers

TX S1820

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers

TX H0429

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers and Franchised Motor Vehicle Dealers

TX HB2127

Relating to motor vehicle dealer franchises.

TX SB00412

An Act Concerning The Offering Price Of A Motor Vehicle And Provisions Of The Franchise Act Governing Agreements Between Automobile Manufacturers Or Distributors And Automobile Dealers.

TX SB22

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers As Dealers

TX HB1041

Relative to permitting motor vehicle manufacturers to operate dealerships in market areas also served by franchise dealers.

TX H5590

Extends certain protocols applicable to motor vehicle manufacturers to their distributors and factory branches, as well as updates warranty reimbursement and recall obligation policies.

Similar Bills

CA AB646

Insurance: warranty: catalytic converter.

FL H0367

Home and Service Warranty Association Financial Requirements

CT SB01425

An Act Concerning Motor Vehicle Protection Products.

CA AB1903

Construction defects.

FL S0282

Warranty Associations

IA HSB523

A bill for an act relating to certain sales of auto club memberships and vehicle warranties.

NJ S2710

Requires electric public utilities and gas public utilities to implement or maintain public utility warranty programs that cover full cost to repair or replace covered appliances.

NJ A2234

Requires electric public utilities and gas public utilities to implement or maintain public utility warranty programs that cover full cost to repair or replace covered appliances.