Bill > HB781

This bill requires consumers to provide advance written notice to motor vehicle dealers before filing a lawsuit alleging unfair or deceptive practices in vehicle sales. Specifically, the notice must be sent by certified mail and include details such as the buyer's name, dealer's name, vehicle identification number, vehicle make/model/year, and a description of the alleged problem. The dealer then has 28 days to respond to the notice, after which the consumer may proceed with filing a civil complaint. The bill broadly defines "vehicle" to include not just motor vehicles, but also motorcycles, trailers, boats, snowmobiles, and off-highway vehicles. Additionally, the bill amends existing consumer protection law to prevent consumers from bringing lawsuits related to vehicle sales without first complying with these new notice requirements. By mandating this pre-lawsuit notification process, the bill appears intended to give dealers an opportunity to address consumer complaints directly and potentially resolve disputes before litigation, while also providing a clear procedural framework for such notifications.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2358