House Bill No. [insert bill number] seeks to amend Montana's motor vehicle laws by prohibiting manufacturers and distributors from compelling new motor vehicle dealers to sell electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The bill declares any contract provisions that violate this prohibition as void, reinforcing the rights of franchisees against coercive practices. It also amends Section 61-4-208 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to explicitly include electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the list of items that cannot be forced upon dealers, thereby promoting a fairer marketplace and protecting dealer autonomy.

Furthermore, the bill maintains existing restrictions on manufacturers and related entities from owning or operating dealerships, with specific exceptions for temporary operations during ownership transitions and under certain conditions. It requires that any dealership operation by these entities must involve a bona fide business relationship with an independent investor. The legislation also includes a codification instruction to ensure that the new provisions are integrated into Title 61, chapter 4 of Montana law, solidifying their place within the state's legal framework governing motor vehicle dealerships.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 61-4-208
HB0550_1(1): 61-4-208
HB0550_1(2): 61-4-208
HB0550_1(3): 61-4-208
HB0550_1(4): 61-4-208
HB0550_1: 61-4-208