There will be no legislative action regarding the sale of Tesla automobiles in Missouri at least until Tuesday.
Tesla owners parked their cars in front of the Capitol Monday and spoke with lawmakers, urging them to oppose language that would stop Tesla’s current business model in Missouri.
The state House did not take up the legislation to which the Senate added language that would bar the sale of vehicles by manufacturers directly to consumers, which is the business model employed by Tesla. Opponents of the language say it unfairly targets Tesla and hurts consumers. Proponents say all auto sales need to happen under the same set of rules.
Majority Floor Leader John Diehl (R-Town and Country) says the House is not going to debate the bill the way it is written now.
“Right now the bill is just going to sit on the calendar,” says Diehl. “Hopefully the parties can get together and try to work out an appropriate business deal between themselves, but I don’t see us getting involved.”
Several Tesla owners were at the Capitol Monday urging lawmakers to oppose the language that was added to HB 1124.