Tennessee's Senate Bill 213, introduced on January 27, 2025, aims to streamline the sale of antique and unique motor vehicles at designated festivals, eliminating the need for a motor vehicle dealer license under specific conditions. This legislation targets auctions held in conjunction with motor vehicle festivals at municipal convention centers in counties with populations between 366,200 and 366,300, as per the 2020 census.

The bill stipulates that a portion of the festival's proceeds must be donated to a hospital neurological institute within the same population range, linking community support to the event. This provision not only facilitates the sale of unique vehicles but also promotes charitable contributions to local healthcare initiatives.

While the bill has garnered support for its potential to boost local economies and enhance community engagement through festivals, it has also sparked debates regarding regulatory oversight and the implications of exempting certain sales from licensing requirements. Critics argue that this could lead to unregulated sales practices, potentially undermining consumer protections.

The bill is set to take effect on October 17, 2025, and will automatically repeal on October 22, 2025, unless further action is taken. As the legislative session progresses, stakeholders will be closely monitoring discussions surrounding the bill's impact on both the automotive market and local charities, with potential implications for future legislative efforts aimed at balancing economic growth with consumer safety.