§6-12A-4. Agent for service of process.

(a) Agent for service of process required. Any non-resident or foreign non-participating manufacturer that has not registered to do business in the state as a foreign corporation or business entity, as a condition precedent to having its brand families listed or retained in the directory, shall appoint and continually engage without interruption the services of an agent in this state to act as agent for the service of process on whom all process, and any action or proceeding against it concerning or arising out of the enforcement of this chapter and Section 6-12-3, may be served in any manner authorized by law. The service shall constitute legal and valid service of process on the non-participating manufacturer. The non-participating manufacturer shall provide the name, address, phone number, and proof of the appointment and availability of their agent to and to the satisfaction of the commissioner.

(b) The non-participating manufacturer shall provide notice to the commissioner 30 calendar days prior to termination of the authority of an agent and shall further provide proof to the satisfaction of the commissioner of the appointment of a new agent no less than five calendar days prior to the termination of an existing agent appointment. In the event an agent terminates an agency appointment, the non-participating manufacturer shall notify the commissioner of termination within five calendar days and shall include proof to the satisfaction of the commissioner of the appointment of a new agent.

(Act 2003-372, p. 1049, §2.)