SB22 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Motor vehicles, electric vehicles, authorize the sale of, by manufacturers directly to public, Sec. 8-20-4 am'd.

Summary

SB22 lets manufacturers of alternative fuel motor vehicles sell and lease their vehicles directly to Alabama consumers, changing the current ban on direct manufacturer sales.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 8-20-4 to create an explicit exception allowing alternative fuel vehicle manufacturers to sell and lease directly to the public in Alabama. This means direct factory sales would be permitted for alt-fuel vehicles, rather than requiring sales only through dealerships. The measure retains a wide set of dealer protections and anti-deceptive-practice rules to govern manufacturer-dealer relations. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects

• Manufacturers of alternative fuel motor vehicles will be able to sell and lease their vehicles directly to Alabama consumers.
• Traditional motor vehicle dealers and Alabama consumers may experience changes in sales dynamics, with consumers gaining a direct-purchase option for alt-fuel vehicles and dealers potentially facing altered competition and ongoing regulatory protections.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 8-20-4 to allow a manufacturer of alternative fuel motor vehicles to sell and lease its vehicles directly to the public.
• Preserves and delineates extensive dealer protections and fair-trade provisions that regulate manufacturer-dealer relations, including prohibitions on coercion, unfair practices, franchise changes, and other anti-competitive actions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Motor Vehicles