BILL · 2023–24 SESSION

SB 5945: Vehicle dealers

Concerning manufacturer and new dealer franchise agreements.

Summary

Modifies the definition of manufacturer with respect to common control.
Makes it unlawful for a vehicle manufacturer to offer certain customer subscription services utilizing already installed components and hardware.
Makes it unlawful to take reservations, dictate sales price, or negotiate binding terms for sale or lease of new vehicles directly between a manufacturer or certain others and a buyer for delivery in Washington.
Stipulates warranty service and parts compensation from manufacturers to dealers.
Modifies the term relevant market area to increase the radius miles for smaller counties.
Adds overburdened communities for diversification in dealership ownership.

From the Senate Bill Report (SB 5945), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor

AN ACT Relating to manufacturer and new dealer franchise agreements;

No recorded floor votes.

Feb 15, 2024Senate Rules "X" file.
Jan 30, 2024Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Jan 29, 2024LC - Majority; do pass.
Jan 10, 2024Referred to Labor & Commerce.
Jan 9, 2024And refer to Labor & Commerce.
Jan 9, 2024BFGT - Majority; without recommendation.
Jan 8, 2024First reading, referred to Business, Financial Services, Gaming & Trade.
Jan 2, 2024Prefiled for introduction.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5945 (2025–26) Persistent offenders · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5945 (2021–22) Human trafficking · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5945 (2019–20) Youth gang reduction pilot · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5945 (2017–18) School siting/GMA · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor
SB 5945 (2015–16) Incapacitated and vulnerable · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5945 (2013–14) Principal empowerment · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5945 (2011–12) Excise tax/govt services · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5945 (2009–10) WA health partnership plan · Enacted with partial veto · Chapter 545, Laws of 2009