JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Republican State Rep. Stanley Cox and Democratic State Rep. Chris Kelly today announced their opposition to legislation that would stifle competition in the Missouri economy by forcing technology manufacturers like Tesla to go through a middleman to bring their innovative products to market. The bipartisan pair of experienced lawmakers believe the shortsighted measure would make it more difficult for Missouri to attract to new business and industries.
HB 1124, which originally dealt with all-terrain vehicles, was amended with only days left in the legislative session to prohibit motor vehicle manufacturers like Tesla from selling products directly to Missouri consumers. Missouri’s current Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act explicitly prohibits franchisors from competing against their franchisees. Existing law does not require manufacturers to create a middleman in order to sell their product to Missouri consumers.
“As Republicans we should be embracing free-market competition and pro-growth policies, not creating monopolies to protect special interests,” said Rep. Stanley Cox, House Judiciary Chairman. “The last thing we need in Missouri is to be passing burdensome regulations that send a message to job creators from across this country that we aren’t open for business. This legislation is nothing more than an unnecessary intrusion by state government in our economy.”
“Regulations are desirable in circumstances where consumers need to be protected, not for shielding the powerful from the free market,” said Rep. Chris Kelly. “This protectionism legislation only seeks to hurting consumers by regulating competitors out of business.
The bipartisan duo was also critical of the lack of transparency on this issue. Cox and Kelly believe that an issue of this importance should not be rammed through under the cover of darkness without public debate.
Also today, the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association, which is based in Missouri and represents hundreds of farm implement manufacturers, delivered a letter to legislators opposing this measure. The association argues that we should be making it easier for smaller manufacturers to create jobs and bring products to market in Missouri, not more difficult.
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