RV Industry Association Celebrates Enactment Of Nebraska RV Industry Franchise Law

On Friday, April 10, as part of a larger transportation bill, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 972 by a 48–1 vote. The bill, based on the RV Industry Association-RV Dealers Association model law, establishes the manufacturer-dealer relationship for RVs in a separate chapter of state code, allowing RV manufacturers and dealers to operate independently from the automobile industry.

The legislation reflects negotiations last year among the RV Industry Association, Nebraska RV dealers, and the Nebraska New Car and Truck Dealers Association, all of whom strongly supported its approval. Passage of the bill was made possible through the leadership of Senators Beau Ballard (R-Lincoln), Mike Moser (R-Columbus), and John Fredrickson (D-Omaha).

The new law is expected to strengthen Nebraska’s RV industry, benefiting consumers, manufacturers, and dealers alike. Governor Jim Pillen signed the bill on Wednesday, April 15. The law is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026.

This legislation is based on the model manufacturer-dealer agreement endorsed by both the RV Industry Association and the RV Dealers Association. 

LB 972 includes provisions requiring a written manufacturer-dealer agreement and outlines the conditions under which either party may terminate the agreement, including repurchase requirements. It also addresses the transfer and succession of agreements and establishes warranty provisions. Additional sections cover pre-delivery inspection, indemnification, mediation, and penalties. The bill further defines all types of RVs, extends the allowable length of fifth-wheel trailers to 46 feet, removes van conversions from the definition of an RV, and updates references to the ANSI A119.5 Park Model RV Standard to the 2025 version.

In February, the RV Industry Association’s State Government Affairs team testified in support of the bill before the Nebraska Senate Committee on Transportation and Telecommunications, alongside Nick Staab of Rich & Sons RV in Grand Island, Nebraska, and Andy Mullins of AC Nelsen RV World in Omaha, NE.

For questions on this legislation, please contact the RV Industry Association’s Manager of State Affairs, Kennedy Solomon, at ksolomon@rvia.org.