CS/CS/HB 595 - Motor Vehicle Dealers

• Revises definitions of motor vehicle dealer types (franchised, independent, and wholesale) and deletes the definition of "motor vehicle broker"

• Allows certain motor vehicle dealers with revoked licenses to continue advertising and demonstrating vehicles of their previously licensed line-make, provided sales occur through licensed dealers

• Permits vehicle owners to advertise and sell their own vehicles if acquired and sold in good faith without avoiding licensing requirements

• Prohibits licensed dealers from allowing non-employees to use their dealer license for sales or lease transactions, with violations constituting unfair and deceptive trade practices

• Establishes continuing education requirements (8 hours every 2 years for independent dealers) and industry certification requirements (4 hours annually for franchised dealers), with authorized dealer schools and statewide associations permitted to charge fees

• Allows dealership groups to satisfy certification through a single designated person and provides flexibility for 2-year license periods with updated fee schedules tied to Consumer Price Index adjustments

• Effective date: January 1, 2019