COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – A controversial bill that would allow electric vehicle manufacturers to sell their vehicles directly to consumers in South Carolina is seemingly on life support after a legislative hearing at the State House on Wednesday.
A House Labor, Commerce and Industry subcommittee voted to adjourn debate on the bill after a roughly hour-long hearing and with limited discussion among subcommittee members.
The subcommittee heard testimony from dealership owners in opposition to the bill from across the state.
Scout Motors and other EV spokespeople in support of the bill also spoke to the subcommittee.
One subcommittee member told WIS the bill is “dead,” at least in its current form in the House.
However, Scout Motors said the company views the bill as being “paused” and was inspired to keep fighting for it.
It is possible this push could be revived in the state Senate; however, no legislation on this issue has been filed at this point in the upper chamber.
Under current state law, vehicle manufacturers are prohibited from selling directly to consumers, instead requiring they purchase through a dealership. The proposed bill, H. 3777, would change the law to allow manufacturers to sell directly to consumers.
Scout Motors and their upcoming Blythewood manufacturing facility for electric SUVs and trucks are key figures in this proposed legislation.
Two years ago, the state agreed to give over $1 billion in incentives for Scout Motors to choose the Palmetto State as the location for their new facility. While these incentives were funded through taxpayer dollars, those same taxpayers will have to go to another state to purchase these vehicles directly from Scout Motors — unless the law changes.
Scout Motors and other stakeholders like the bill’s lead sponsor, Rep. Mark Smith, R – Berkeley, are interested in moving this proposal forward, arguing it would modernize the car-buying experience in South Carolina.
Automotive dealerships— and their deep-pocketed lobby — have generally opposed direct-sales efforts. While they have not spoken publicly about the bill, they are expected to testify during the hearing on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, the House Labor, Commerce and Industry subcommittee heard testimony from nine people, five people who were in favor of the bill and four who were opposed. They briefly debated and then adjourned further debate.
This story is developing. Check back here for updates.
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