Bill > SB1182

This bill amends the Board of Vehicles Act to expand the definition of entities requiring a license to engage in the vehicle business to include manufacturers, factory branches, and distributor branches, and it clarifies the definitions of terms like "affiliate," "authorized integrator," "dealer data system," "dealer data vendor," "ownership interest," "protected dealer data," and "required manufacturer data" to better define relationships and data handling. It also introduces new provisions to prevent manufacturers or their affiliates from owning or controlling vehicle dealerships, with specific exceptions for electric vehicle dealerships under certain conditions, and it strengthens regulations regarding manufacturer and distributor practices, including prohibiting coercive actions, requiring fair compensation for dealer labor and parts under warranty, and establishing clearer guidelines for reimbursement audits. Furthermore, the bill introduces significant consumer data protection measures, preventing manufacturers and third parties from accessing, sharing, or using a dealer's protected data without express written consent, and it mandates that dealers have control over their data, with provisions for data security and vendor responsibilities.