The Mississippi Senate on Mar. 2 voted to approve a bill clarifying the state’s franchise laws as they pertain to vehicles in a move that could restrict the electric vehicle (EV) industry from expanding.
The legislation, House Bill 401 (pdf), was introduced by Republican Rep. Trey Lamar of Senatobia and passed by a vote of 38–14.
It now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Tate Reeves, who has not indicated whether or not he will sign it.
Under the legislation, EV manufacturers will have to sell their vehicles through a franchise dealership as opposed to their manufacturer-owned dealer, putting them in compliance with the same laws traditional carmakers follow….