As industry members navigate the last weeks of 2024, looming legislative requirements and implementations are approaching.
In California, Assembly Bill No. 1755 provides new warranty dispute requirements for cases filed starting Jan. 1, 2025, and the California Air Resource Board (CARB) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) will go into effect in 2025. Canadian companies must file a new report by May 31, 2025.
California Bill No. 1755
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill in the fall to expedite warranty dispute resolutions. The bill requirements include:
- Creating a pre-dispute notice requirement, ensuring the consumer notifies the correct manufacturer contact.
- Incentivizing consumers and manufacturers to resolve claims more quickly by permitting consumers to obtain civil penalties if they comply with this requirement. Manufacturers may be charged with civil penalties if they do not comply.
- Creating an early mandatory mediation process. The process will ensure the consumer has more touch points with the correct contact at the manufacturer.
- Streamlining document production for both sides to reduce the number and cost of discovery battles.
- Streamlining the civil procedural process of consumer warranty claims, which could reduce the burden on the judicial system.
RV manufacturers’ crucial takeaway is establishing the correct contact consumers can reach to begin the dispute resolution.
The legislation is effective April 1, 2025, for actions filed beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
CARB ACT
The California legislation will create a near-total “ban” on the state’s motorhome sales along with those in other states that follow CARB regulations.
Because there are no certified zero emissions chassis rated for motorhomes, CARB could affect motorhome availability in California beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Motorhomes can still be sold either through utilizing the credit market or generating a carry-forward deficit that will have to be offset by the chassis manufacturer credits within three years.
RVIA continues discussions with CARB to understand best the effect the regulation has on industry members.
Canada’s Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act
The 2024 Act affects companies with more than 250 employees and assets exceeding $20 million or revenues surpassing $40 million.
All publicly listed companies on the stock exchange and government institutions are automatically subject to the legislation.
Production of a mandatory annual report includes information about the company’s organizational structure, business activities, policies addressing forced and child labor and the measures implemented to mitigate associated risks. The report can also include training provided to employees on these matters. Following verification and certification by the Minister, the report must be made publicly available.
The report deadline is May 31, 2025.
To prepare a report click here.
To submit a report, click here.
