House Bill 475, also known as Senate Bill 608, amends Tennessee Code Annotated regarding motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers. The bill introduces new provisions that prohibit manufacturers and distributors from engaging in certain coercive practices against motor vehicle dealers. Specifically, it establishes that manufacturers cannot require dealers to change their location or make unreasonable alterations to their facilities, nor can they coerce dealers into using specific vendors for goods and services if the dealer has an approved alternative. Additionally, the bill outlines that manufacturers cannot mandate substantial alterations to a facility if similar changes were made within the last ten years, and it emphasizes that performance standards must be fair and uniformly applied.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that manufacturers must provide transparency regarding the allocation and distribution of new vehicles to dealers, ensuring that such processes are not arbitrary or discriminatory. The legislation also includes a provision that allows the commissioner to promulgate necessary rules to implement these changes effectively. The act is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the public welfare.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-18-104
Amended with SA0503 -- 03/02/2026: 55-18-104, 55-17-114(c)(1), 55-17-114, 55-17-114(c)