SB 173 Summary

• Creates new Chapter 27 of Alaska Statutes establishing the Alaska Marine Product and Motorized Recreational Product Act to regulate manufacturer-dealer relationships for marine products and motorized recreational vehicles (ATVs, snow machines, boats, motors).

• Prohibits manufacturers from unreasonably withholding consent to dealership transfers, canceling/non-renewing agreements without good cause and proper notice (90 days standard, 15 days for insolvency/felony/breach), and coercing dealers through termination threats.

• Requires manufacturers to repurchase new/unused products and parts from dealers' inventory upon agreement cancellation or non-renewal, with payment based on the dealer's landed cost within 60 days.

• Establishes warranty obligations including manufacturer payment for factory-recommended repairs during warranty periods, timely provision of parts within 60 days, and reimbursement to dealers at specified labor rates plus full parts cost with free shipping.

• Mandates dealers post retail labor rates and commission disclosures, provide written repair estimates, and manufacturers include expected parts availability dates in recall notices; act takes effect immediately and applies only to agreements entered after enactment.