A sweeping new regulatory framework for RV dealers takes effect in Nebraska next year—and most owners haven't heard about it yet.
Most Nebraska RV dealers don't realize that buried inside LB972—a bill that touches everything from handicapped parking to boat registration—is an entirely new regulatory regime that will reshape how they do business with manufacturers.
Here's what happened: The bill creates the Recreational Vehicle Industry Regulation Act (Sections 1–33), a 33-section framework that imposes mandatory written agreements between manufacturers and dealers, strict termination notice requirements, warranty compensation schedules, repurchase obligations, and civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation. These rules become operative October 1, 2026.
If you're an RV dealer in Nebraska—whether you sell new units, service them, or both—this applies to you. The law governs the relationship between manufacturers (or their distributors) and dealers. It's not optional compliance; it's statutory.
Starting October 1, 2026, manufacturers and dealers must have written agreements in place that comply with the new act. The law specifies requirements for:
Manufacturer-Dealer Agreements: These must be in writing and meet standards set out in the act. You can't operate under a handshake or an outdated contract.
Termination Notice: Manufacturers can't simply end dealer relationships without following the procedures outlined in the law. There are notice periods and conditions.
Warranty Compensation: The act establishes schedules for how manufacturers must compensate dealers for warranty work. This isn't left to negotiation anymore.
Repurchase Obligations: Manufacturers have obligations to repurchase inventory or equipment under certain circumstances defined in the act.
Penalties: Violations carry civil penalties up to $5,000 each. These can add up quickly if multiple violations occur.
At the same time, Section 67 of LB972 (amending §60-1411.01, found on page 30) raises manufacturer and distributor license fees. For example, fees increase from $1,500 to $1,600. While this is a smaller piece of the bill, it's part of the overall cost of doing business under the new framework.
You have until October 1, 2026, to prepare. That means:
Review your current agreements. If you have manufacturer agreements in place, they may not comply with the new law. Start reviewing them now with legal counsel familiar with the act.
Understand the requirements. Read through Sections 1–33 of LB972 or get a summary from a lawyer who specializes in motor vehicle or RV regulation.
Plan for compliance. Don't wait until September 2026 to discover your agreements need overhaul. Manufacturers will likely push for compliant agreements well before the deadline.
Budget for the fee increase. If you hold a manufacturer or distributor license, plan for higher renewal costs.
LB972 isn't just a parking or boating bill. For RV dealers, it's a significant regulatory shift that requires real preparation. The effective date is October 1, 2026—but the time to understand what's coming is now.
Source: LB972, Sections 1–33 (Recreational Vehicle Industry Regulation Act) and Section 67 (amending §60-1411.01), Nebraska Legislature.