There’s a bill moving through the Statehouse we want to bring to your attention.The bill as proposed would allow electric vehicle makers like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid to sell directly to Iowans — without going through Iowa’s auto dealer system and the laws and consumer protections that come with it.The proponents of the bill make a compelling case. They argue Iowa has some of the most restrictive car sales laws in the country. And today, if an Iowan wants one of those brands of vehicles you may have to work with a dealer in another state.On the surface, that sounds reasonable. After all, we’re accustomed to buying just about anything we want directly online now. In a world where convenience matters and the customer expects options, the traditional dealership model can feel antiquated.But here’s the concern. This bill creates a carve-out for a few specific manufacturers. If we open that door, what stops others from asking for the same exception? What prevents larger automakers — including those that make both electric and gas vehicles — from challenging Iowa law or exploiting the loophole?Iowa’s dealer system exists for a reason. It provides consumer protections, accountability, and a local place to turn when something goes wrong.It also supports Iowa jobs and Iowa communities. If lawmakers want to modernize the system, let’s have that conversation. Let’s update the law in a way that protects consumers and treats all manufacturers fairly. But creating special carve-outs isn’t the answer. That’s not just good policy — it’s the right thing to do for Iowa.
There’s a bill moving through the Statehouse we want to bring to your attention.
The bill as proposed would allow electric vehicle makers like Tesla, Rivian, and Lucid to sell directly to Iowans — without going through Iowa’s auto dealer system and the laws and consumer protections that come with it.
The proponents of the bill make a compelling case. They argue Iowa has some of the most restrictive car sales laws in the country. And today, if an Iowan wants one of those brands of vehicles you may have to work with a dealer in another state.
On the surface, that sounds reasonable. After all, we’re accustomed to buying just about anything we want directly online now. In a world where convenience matters and the customer expects options, the traditional dealership model can feel antiquated.
But here’s the concern. This bill creates a carve-out for a few specific manufacturers. If we open that door, what stops others from asking for the same exception? What prevents larger automakers — including those that make both electric and gas vehicles — from challenging Iowa law or exploiting the loophole?
Iowa’s dealer system exists for a reason. It provides consumer protections, accountability, and a local place to turn when something goes wrong.
It also supports Iowa jobs and Iowa communities. If lawmakers want to modernize the system, let’s have that conversation. Let’s update the law in a way that protects consumers and treats all manufacturers fairly. But creating special carve-outs isn’t the answer. That’s not just good policy — it’s the right thing to do for Iowa.
