Bill > SB824

This bill modifies the requirements for vehicle manufacturers or distributors to obtain a dealer license in Maryland, specifically allowing them to be licensed as dealers under certain conditions. Previously, a manufacturer or distributor could only be licensed as a dealer if they manufactured or distributed only electric vehicles, and if no other dealer in the state held a franchise from them. This bill expands the types of vehicles to include battery-electric or non-fossil fuel burning vehicles and clarifies that a manufacturer or distributor seeking a dealer license must not be owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with any other manufacturer or distributor that has franchised dealers, nor can they be a subsidiary, division, brand, or joint venture with such entities. The bill also introduces a provision that no more than four such licenses can be issued and requires manufacturers or distributors seeking this license to prove they meet these new requirements to the satisfaction of the Administration, which is the state agency responsible for vehicle licensing. This change aims to streamline licensing for certain types of vehicle producers while maintaining protections for existing franchised dealers.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0824?ys=2026RS