40-20-118. Death of single line dealer.
(a) This section shall only apply to the dealer agreements between a single line dealer and a single line supplier.
(b) If a dealer dies, a supplier shall have ninety (90) days in which to consider and make a determination on a request by a family member to enter into a new dealer agreement to operate the dealership. If the supplier determines that the requesting family member is not acceptable, the supplier shall provide the family member with a written notice of its determination with the stated reasons for nonacceptance. This subsection does not entitle an heir, personal representative or family member to operate a dealership without the specific written consent of the supplier.
(c) If a supplier and dealer have executed an agreement concerning succession rights prior to the dealer's death and that agreement is still in effect, the agreement shall control the terms of succession even if it designates someone other than the surviving spouse or heirs of the decedent as the successor.