Bill
Bill > LD1296
summary
Introduced
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
In Committee
03/25/2025
03/25/2025
Crossed Over
06/03/2025
06/03/2025
Passed
06/09/2025
06/09/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
An Act to Amend the Law Governing Watercraft Franchisor Warranty Reimbursements Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, approximately 80% of watercraft sold in Maine are equipped with an outboard motor; and Whereas, the outboard motor manufacturer industry has recently been consolidated to primarily 2 companies that share the market; and Whereas, warranty repairs currently performed on watercraft are reimbursed with a flat rate for the labor performed based upon a manufacturer's estimate of the repair duration, which is not fitting for the marine industry; and Whereas, the upcoming summer months generally correlate with an increase in watercraft warranty repairs; and Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
AI Summary
This bill amends Maine's law governing watercraft warranty reimbursements to provide more fair compensation for franchisees performing warranty repairs. Specifically, the bill requires franchisors (manufacturers) to reimburse franchisees (dealers) at the full retail rate for parts used in warranty repairs, including compensation for any difference between the franchisee's cost and the full retail price of parts. For labor, franchisors must now reimburse franchisees for actual labor performed, which must be reasonable and supported by the franchisee's records, and cannot be less than the retail rate the franchisee typically charges for the same labor when not performing warranty work. The bill's context suggests this change is important because the outboard motor industry is now primarily controlled by two companies, and the current flat-rate reimbursement system does not adequately reflect the complexities of marine industry repairs. The legislation is being enacted as an emergency measure, which means it will take effect immediately upon approval, potentially helping watercraft dealers receive more equitable compensation for warranty repairs during the upcoming summer season when such repairs typically increase.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (10)
Cameron Reny (D)*,
Chip Curry (D),
Allison Hepler (D),
Henry Ingwersen (D),
Marianne Moore (R),
Wayne Parry (R),
Tiffany Strout (R),
Jeff Timberlake (R),
Mike Tipping (D),
Peter Wood (R),
Last Action
Governor's Action: Emergency Signed, Jun 12, 2025 (on 06/12/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1296&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0526&item=3&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN129603.pdf |
| Senate: C-A (S-245) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0526&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (S-245) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN129602.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0526&item=1&snum=132 |
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