The bill seeks to improve consumer choice and fairness in the auto sales market in Washington by amending RCW 46.96.185. It prohibits manufacturers, distributors, and related entities from engaging in discriminatory practices against new motor vehicle dealers, such as offering different prices for the same vehicle or parts and imposing unreasonable conditions on dealership operations. A significant change includes the insertion of provisions that allow final-stage manufacturers to own or operate dealerships, while deleting a previous clause that permitted manufacturers with a vehicle dealer license as of January 1, 2014, to control dealerships selling only their makes. The bill also emphasizes transparency in vehicle and parts allocation and delivery, protecting dealers from adverse actions based on sales performance in designated areas.

Furthermore, the bill specifies exemptions from certain regulations for sales to government agencies, vehicles for driver's education programs, and sales under manufacturer promotional or fleet discount programs. It provides definitions for key terms relevant to the legislation and establishes that violations are considered unlawful and unfair practices, allowing affected individuals to seek adjudication. A new section indicates that the act will take effect on January 1, 2026, reinforcing the commitment to equitable treatment of motor vehicle dealers in the marketplace.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 46.96.185