HB 136-MOTOR VEHICLE DEALER FRANCHISES  3:25:28 PM CHAIR KITO announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 136, "An Act relating to motor vehicle franchises, motor vehicle transactions, motor vehicle dealers, motor vehicle manufacturers, and motor vehicle distributors." 3:25:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN, Alaska State Legislature, reintroduced HB 136 as prime sponsor. He said the proposed bill would help consumers and is supported by franchise owners and is not opposed by industry. REPRESENTATIVE SULLIVAN-LEONARD asked about opposition to HB 136. REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN answered that industry has not opposed the current proposed bill. REPRESENTATIVE SULLIVAN-LEONARD asked whether there had been any comment opposing the proposal. REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN answered he had heard only positive comments and pointed out that there were no industry lobbyists present. 3:28:14 PM STEVE ALWINE, Board Member, Alaska Automobile Dealer Association, testified in support of HB 136. He said the proposed bill would serve to update the state's franchise laws which had not been updated since 2004. It serves to provide reasonable protections to dealers and the public. The bill would address warranties and dealer succession. He highlighted it would provide protections for consumers in outlying areas. 3:30:14 PM LESTER NICHOLS, Owner, Fairbanks Nissan, testified in support of HB 136. He said the bill would help secure his investment in the business. He praised the work of Representative Claman. 3:32:06 PM CHAIR KITO closed public testimony on HB 136. CHAIR KITO remarked there is a revised fiscal note. 3:32:42 PM REPRESENTATIVE STUTES moved to report HB 136 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, it was so ordered.