ME LD1296

Requires watercraft franchisors to reimburse franchisees at retail rates for all parts used in warranty repairs, not just parts "provided" by the franchisor

When franchisors supply parts directly, they must compensate franchisees for the difference between the franchisee's cost and full retail price, capped at 100% of the labor reimbursement for that repair

Mandates reimbursement for actual labor performed rather than flat-rate estimates, with amounts that must be reasonable and supported by franchisee records

Franchisees must post their non-warranty labor rates in a location visible to service customers to qualify for reimbursement

Enacted as emergency legislation effective June 12, 2025, citing consolidation of the outboard motor industry to 2 companies and the summer increase in warranty repairs