SCS SB 779 -- FARM MACHINERY INVENTORY REPURCHASE

CO-SPONSORS: Mathewson, Johnson (Williams, 159)

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Agri-Business by a vote of 9 to 2.

This substitute adds industrial, maintenance, and construction equipment and outdoor power equipment used for lawn, garden, golf course, landscaping, or grounds maintenance to farm machinery inventory which is to be repurchased by a wholesaler, manufacturer, or distributor upon termination of an implement dealership. Repair parts which have a limited storage life or are otherwise subject to deterioration, such as rubber items, gaskets, or batteries are also required to be repurchased.

FISCAL NOTE: No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that repurchase provisions of the bill afford additional buyback protection for implement dealers whose numbers have declined from 500 in the early 1970s to 180 today. The bill also makes Missouri law consistent with Kansas law. Many implement dealers own dealerships in both states.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Mathewson; and Joe Anson, Anson Implement Co.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Roland Tackett, Legislative Analyst