HB596 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes Long

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

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

Summary

HB596 would update Alabama's Tractor, Lawn and Garden and Light Industrial Equipment Franchise Act by adding and clarifying key definitions used in dealer-supplier franchise relationships.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 8-21A-2 to provide formal definitions for terms used in the act, including what counts as a continuing commercial relationship, how costs and prices are calculated, and what a dealer contract means. It clarifies who qualifies as an equipment dealer and what equipment is covered, expanding the scope beyond farm equipment to include lawn and garden and light industrial equipment plus related vehicles like ATVs and UTVs. These changes help define how franchises operate and how terms such as termination and written notice are interpreted.

Who It Affects

• Equipment dealers (including those not primarily engaged in farming) who sell, service, or deal in tractors, lawn and garden equipment, light industrial equipment, ATVs/UTVs and related parts—these definitions affect how their franchise relationships, pricing, and notices are structured.
• Manufacturers, distributors, and wholesalers (suppliers) who sell to dealers—these definitions affect pricing terms (cost, net cost, current net price), contract language, and how termination or notices are handled.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 8-21A-2 to add and clarify definitions for continuing commercial relationship, cost or net cost, current net price, and dealer contract/franchise.
• Expands and clarifies the definition of equipment and the categories of equipment dealers (including non-farm equipment dealers) and the types of equipment covered (farm tractors, lawn and garden equipment, light industrial equipment, off-road motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs).
• Clarifies definitions for good cause, inventory, manufacturer/distributor/wholesaler, relevant market area, supplier, termination, and written notice.
• Establishes the act’s effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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