Senate Bill No. by Senator Wheat proposes the merger of the Louisiana Used Motor Vehicle Commission into the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Commission, aiming to streamline the regulatory framework governing both used and new motor vehicle sales. The bill amends and reenacts several sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, specifically R.S. 32:1251, 1252, 1253, and 1254, while introducing new definitions and provisions related to the sale and leasing of motor vehicles and recreational products. Key changes include expanding the Motor Vehicle Commission's membership from eighteen to twenty-two members and establishing new licensing and compliance requirements for various vehicle-related businesses, such as dismantlers, rental dealers, and catalytic converter dealers.

The legislation also outlines new educational requirements for initial applicants and license renewals, mandating attendance at seminars with a testing component. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining insurance and bonds for licensed dealers, with strict penalties for non-compliance, including immediate license suspension or revocation. The bill further details the rights and obligations of rental dealers and consumers, including conditions for security deposits and warranty options. A transition timeline for the merger is set to be completed by January 1, 2025, with the Louisiana State Law Institute authorized to make necessary technical corrections. The bill will take effect upon the governor's signature or after the expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature, with implementation required by July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
SB461 Original: 32:1252(20), 32:1253(A), 32:1253(A)(1), 32:1253(A)(2), 32:1254(A)(6), 32:1255(A)(2), 32:1261(A), 32:1261(A)(2), 32:1261(A)(3), 32:1261(A)(6), 32:1261(A)(7), 32:1252(36), 32:1261(B)