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Committee adopts amendment clarifying dealer participation at auto shows; bill laid over for possible inclusion
Summary
Senate File 872, clarifying dealers may exhibit at auto shows and prohibiting direct sales or trade‑in appraisals at shows, was amended (A2) and the amendment was adopted by voice vote. The bill as amended was laid over for possible inclusion in committee work.
Senate File 872, a bill to clarify dealer participation in auto shows, was presented by sponsor Senator Dames. The bill would authorize dealers to exhibit vehicles at auto shows under conditions that distinguish exhibiting from selling: vehicles displayed at an auto show may not be offered for sale or lease, labeled for sale, appraised for trade‑ins, or priced other than the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP). Exhibitors may distribute promotional materials, collect leads and schedule dealership visits.
Senator Rasmussen moved the A2 amendment, which narrowed geographic limits and relaxed certain numeric caps earlier in the draft; Senator Dames accepted the amendment as friendly. The committee adopted the A2 amendment by voice vote and then laid the bill over for possible inclusion.
Amanda Duer of the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association testified in favor, saying that the auto show landscape has shifted from manufacturer‑led displays to dealer participation and that the bill clarifies a dealer’s ability to exhibit without creating a de facto sales location or violating licensing rules that tie vehicle sales to licensed dealer locations. Duer also told senators manufacturers she contacted did not object to the clarification.
Why it matters: The bill clarifies how franchised dealers may participate in promotional auto shows without creating unauthorized sales locations and seeks to preserve consumer protections by prohibiting direct sales, trade‑in appraisals and alternative pricing at show venues. The committee adopted the A2 amendment and laid the measure over for further consideration.
