RI H8213

Extends regulatory obligations previously applicable only to motor vehicle manufacturers to also cover distributors and factory branches throughout Rhode Island's dealer franchise laws

Requires manufacturers, distributors, and factory branches to allow dealers at least 180 days to submit warranty reimbursement claims and mandates claim approval or disapproval within 30 days of receipt

Expands warranty reimbursement coverage to include diagnostic work, campaign service, authorized goodwill repairs, certified pre-owned warranty work, recalls, and manufacturer-issued service contracts at dealer retail rates

Establishes that warranty labor compensation must equal the dealer's effective non-warranty labor rate multiplied by the applicable time guide, with actual time spent used when no guide exists

Requires written notification via certified mail for proposed chargebacks, with dealers given at least 60 days to resubmit claims denied for incidental failures such as clerical errors