CS/CS/HB 231 Summary

• Amends audit provisions for motor vehicle manufacturers to conduct audits of service and incentive payments only within 12 months for service claims and 18 months for incentive payments, after which payments become final and incontrovertible.

• Requires manufacturers to meet with dealers within 30 days of an audit to present detailed explanations with supporting documentation before imposing chargebacks, and dealers must receive at least 45 days to respond.

• Prohibits manufacturers from taking adverse actions (chargebacks, reducing allocations, or terminating franchises) against dealers solely because they sold vehicles to customers who exported or resold them, unless the manufacturer proves the dealer knew of the customer's intent.

• Prohibits manufacturers from requiring dealers to purchase goods or services from designated vendors unless substantially similar alternatives are unavailable, and dealers may use alternative goods or services if the manufacturer does not respond within 30 days of the dealer's written request.

• Creates new section 320.646 requiring manufacturers and third parties to protect consumer data provided by dealers, including compliance with federal safeguard requirements, permitting dealers to furnish data in standard formats, and prohibiting mandatory access to dealers' data management systems without express written consent.