HB495 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

K.L. Brown

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Tractor, Lawn and Garden and Light Industrial Equipment Franchise Act, further provide for definitions, Sec. 8-21A-2 am'd

Summary

HB495 would expand and clarify the Tractor, Lawn and Garden and Light Industrial Equipment Franchise Act by adding detailed definitions for franchise relationships and related terms.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 8-21A-2 to add and refine key definitions used in the act. It defines terms such as continuing commercial relationship, cost, current net price, dealer contract/franchise, equipment, equipment dealer, good cause, inventory, manufacturer/distributor/wholesaler, relevant market area, supplier, termination, and written notice. It also expands scope to include equipment like off-road motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs, and specifies that written notices can be delivered by electronic mail or other accepted methods. Overall, these definitions shape how franchise relationships between suppliers and dealers are understood under the law.

Who It Affects

• Equipment dealers (including tractor, lawn and garden, and light industrial dealers): the definitions define how they are classified, priced, notified, and how inventory and termination scenarios are interpreted under franchise agreements.
• Suppliers (manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers): the definitions set standards for how they structure and manage dealer relationships, pricing terms, market areas, and notices to dealers.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 8-21A-2 to add and clarify definitions used in the Tractor, Lawn and Garden and Light Industrial Equipment Franchise Act.
• Definitions include: continuing commercial relationship (right to sell/service equipment), cost/net cost (dealer price plus freight), current net price (price list/catalog), and dealer/franchise (agreement granting rights to purchase/sell/distribute/service with a community of interest).
• Equipment and equipment dealer definitions broaden the scope to include farm, lawn and garden, light industrial equipment, off-road motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs, and related parts.
• Key terms also defined: good cause, inventory, manufacturer/distributor/wholesaler, relevant market area, supplier, termination, and written notice (including electronic mail).
• The act emphasizes the relationship framework between suppliers and dealers and clarifies pricing, notification, and termination concepts.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Tractor, Lawn and Garden and Light Industrial Equipment Franchise Act