A bill striking down limitations on the sale of new gas-powered vehicles, while maintaining a ban on direct-from-manufacturer vehicle purchases, has advanced in Louisiana.
As reported by News From the States, the “Preserving Vehicle Purchase Choice Act” (HB 341), presented by Rep. Phillip Tarver (R-Lake Charles) would prevent the state from enforcing rules that would prohibit the sale of a vehicle based on how it is powered, whether gasoline or electric.
Tarver’s legislation passed the committee with no objections and will continue to the House floor for further consideration–though some legislators raised questions about it, such as Rep. C. Travis Johnson (D-Vidalia), who pointed out that the bill does nothing to stop federal regulations from being enforced. Tarver responded that the bill is meant to preserve freedom of choice.
Following his bill, Rep. Aimee Freeman (D-New Orleans) presented House Bill 535: a bill that would allow Lousiana residents to purchase vehicles directly from manufacturers, a practice that has become increasingly common with EV leaders Tesla and Rivian, but is currently illegal to do in Louisiana.
Freeman shared that the legislation came at the request of a constituent who needed an out-of-state relative to purchase a Rivian SUV on his behalf for him to legally acquire it. Though the bill gained support from Rep. Pat Moore (D-Monroe), Rep. Johnson chimed in again to say that car dealerships serve to protect buyers in the same way real estate agents and financial advisors do.
Freeman’s bill did not receive the same approval that Tarver’s did, and failed to advance after receiving no votes.
“Strange things happen in this building sometimes,” Freeman said. “I think it’s quite ironic that I’m presenting right after Rep. Tarver’s ‘Preserving Vehicle Purchase Choice Act,’ which doesn’t mention electric vehicles but is supposed to be about choice.”
