Mississippi sucks. And when I say Mississippi sucks, I don’t say that as one of those “coastal elites” who have never even visited the state. I say it as a non-elite person born in North Carolina, raised in Georgia who grew up hating Mississippi and always will. Say what you want about Alabama, but at least they’re good at football. Mississippi can’t even claim that. And now, the Mississippi legislature has passed another bill that affirms my distaste for America’s worst state, this time preventing direct sales of electric vehicles.
Related press report that the Mississippi state senate passed the bill on Thursday that requires electric carmakers who want brick-and-mortar stores in the state to follow the franchise law. The law has now been forwarded to Governor Tate Reeves’ desk for his signature. For now, there isn’t any indication that he won’t sign.
The bill is also said to have caused a bit of infighting among Republicans as they are seen as the party of small government and the new bill would interfere with the free market. There is also concern that the bill would prevent electric carmakers from bringing jobs to the state. Lawmakers supporting the bill said they needed to make it fair to all automakers, and since they were only a joke they of course had to turn the topic of auto regulations into something anaerobic.
“We are saying that if you choose to open a traditional dealership, you are subject to the same laws as everyone else,” said Republican Senator Daniel Sparks. “Please don’t tell me that Tesla vehicles are not identified as cars.”
Meanwhile, Republican senator Joey Fillingane disagreed, saying, “Maybe we just want to be last all the time. Perhaps it was a badge of honor – we were the last to change. If we’re not careful…we could deprive our citizens of opportunities that shouldn’t be taken away from us.”
Fair to Mississippi, it’s not always the end everything. Yes, the state’s percentage of residents living in poverty, as well as its health and education scores, are among the worst in the country, but its economy and quality of life comes in at just 49th. nationwide.
Fortunately, the bill would allow Tesla’s sole store to remain open, but if Rivian wanted to open a dealership in Mississippi, it would have to find a franchisee to actually sell the cars.lol that’s ridiculous. All it does is defend the archaic franchise law that has no place in modern society. Obviously, the Dealers will support the invoice, but who cares? Dealers can go kick.
