House passes auto franchise bill addressing dealer data and over-the-air updates

ATLANTA — The Georgia House on Thursday approved Senate Bill 81, an amendment to the state’s motor vehicle franchise practices law that supporters said clarifies protections for dealership data access, requires certain disclosures about over‑the‑air (OTA) software updates and addresses vehicle allocation and showroom practices.

The bill, carried on the floor by Representative Ellen Powell, drew questions on the floor about specific language and whether the measure limits consumer protections. Powell described the bill as the product of negotiations between auto manufacturers and the dealer community and said the measure balances competition and the need for dealers to access data and perform vehicle maintenance.

Key provisions highlighted in floor debate included language that: - restricts unauthorized sharing of dealership customer data and allows dealers to audit and back up systems used by authorized integrators; - requires manufacturers to compensate dealers for work associated with OTA updates and to disclose necessary repair information and part requirements; and - includes provisions about showroom and gallery practices and vehicle allocation transparency.

Representative Parsons questioned a provision that appears to exclude disclosure of a manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) from the definition of “activity as a new motor vehicle dealer,” and Powell said the language was worked out between dealers and manufacturers. Representative Hefner raised a parliamentary inquiry about whether the bill interferes with state requirements that motor vehicle registration employees protect customer privacy; floor leaders confirmed state privacy obligations remain intact.

The House recorded a roll-call vote on SB 81: yeas 165, nays 5. Representative Franklin invoked Rule 133 and recused himself from the vote; the record notes his recusal.

Supporters said SB 81 modernizes the franchise practices act for new technology such as telematics and OTA software while preserving dealerships’ ability to protect customer information and perform work. Critics expressed concern about any language that might create loopholes in consumer privacy or leave ambiguities about enforcement.

What happens next: With House passage, SB 81 moves on to the governor. Supporters asked for swift approval to provide certainty to dealers and manufacturers on data access and OTA compensation; opponents said they would continue to monitor implementation and enforcement.