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Committee advances bill to allow more electric-vehicle makers to sell direct to consumers
Summary
The Commerce committee reported House Bill 20 13 to committee (committed) after debate over dealer protections and a failed motion to refer the measure to the professional licensure committee. Sponsor Representative Scott said the bill levels the playing field for EV manufacturers; opponents urged further review.
House Bill 20 13, which would allow electric-vehicle manufacturers that do not use traditional franchise dealer networks to sell directly to consumers, was reported out of the Commerce committee after a roll-call vote.
Representative Scott, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure updates a narrow 2014 exemption and ‘‘creates a level playing field by allowing electric vehicle manufacturers that do not utilize a franchise dealer network to sell directly to consumers just as 1 manufacturer is already permitted to do so today.’’ He said the change preserves existing dealership protections while encouraging competition and investment.
The bill drew procedural and policy pushback. Representative Mikadis, while saying she ‘‘generally support[s] direct to consumer’’ sales, moved to refer the bill to the professional licensure committee because it implicates dealership licensing and safeguards. ‘‘The licensure committee is accustomed to dealing with issues of licensure,’’ Mikadis said when making the motion.
Members debated whether the issue belonged with professional licensure. Chairman Lawrence and others said the topic traditionally is handled by that committee. The motion to refer was seconded and then defeated by roll call, 14–12.
After the referral motion failed and with no additional substantive questions, the committee held a roll-call vote on the bill itself. The ayes were 14 and the nays 12, and the committee clerk announced the bill would be ‘‘reported as committed’’ (advanced out of committee).
The record reflects several members voiced openness to further hearings to refine language and address unintended consequences; Chairman Lawrence said he was ‘‘concerned about some of the unintended consequences’’ of how the bill was drafted and would work with the sponsor on revisions. The committee did not adopt amendments at the meeting.
Next steps: HB 20 13 will move forward as reported by the committee; sponsors and members indicated a willingness to hold follow-up hearings or consider technical amendments before floor action.
