ADJUSTMENT OF WARRANTY LABOR RATE.

(a) A dealer may request an adjustment in the dealer's warranty labor rate. The request must be sent to the manufacturer or distributor by certified mail, return receipt requested, and must state the requested rate and include information reasonably necessary to enable the manufacturer or distributor to adequately evaluate the request.

(b) Not later than the 60th day after the date of receipt of a request under this section, the manufacturer or distributor shall provide written notice to the requesting dealer of the approval or disapproval of the request. If the request is disapproved, the manufacturer or distributor shall state the reasons for the disapproval.

(c) A requesting dealer may file a protest with the board if the manufacturer or distributor:

(1) disapproves the request; or

(2) fails to respond within the time required by this section.

(d) After a protest is filed, the board may uphold the manufacturer's or distributor's decision only if the manufacturer or distributor proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the disapproval of the request or failure to respond was reasonable.

(e) If the board does not determine that the disapproval of the request or failure to respond was reasonable, the board shall order the requested rate into effect as of the 60th day after the receipt of the request by the manufacturer or distributor.

(f) Except by agreement of the parties, a warranty labor rate established under this subchapter may not be adjusted more often than once a year.