The company is currently barred from selling directly to consumers in the Lone Star State, however separate bills in the state house and senate would allow the California-based automaker to bypass independent dealerships.
Following in line with compromise legislation that has passed in other states, the company would be limited to just 12 showrooms. Other similarly situated automakers would also be allowed to implement direct sales, but only if they have never sold cars through franchise networks.
Tesla already has several showrooms in Texas, however customers must go through formal Tesla stores in another state to actually purchase the car and arrange delivery.
“Free market principles are the foundation of our strong Texas economy,” said Senate Bill 639 sponsor Senator Kelly Hancock, as quoted by The Texas Tribune. “SB 639 helps sustain a competitive marketplace and gives consumers more choices.”
Former Texas Governor Rick Perry last year criticized the state’s “antiquated” anti-Tesla laws, arguing that such regulations only served the dealers rather than consumers. The comments were clearly related to Texas’ bid to become Tesla’s Gigafactory site, which was lost to Nevada, however the latest report suggests the company still has broad support despite taking its factory jobs elsewhere.
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