South Carolina Bill - H. 3777 Introduced: "Consumer Freedom Act" -- to Allow Direct Sale to Consumers

[eddiet1212]

A bill, H. 3777, was introduced in the South Carolina House on January 16, 2025.

Summary: South Carolina Consumer Freedom Act

"...TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56‑15‑45, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF A DEALERSHIP BY A MANUFACTURER OR FRANCHISOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURER THAT OWNS OR OPERATES A MANUFACTURING FACTORY OR ASSEMBLY PLANT THAT HAS NEVER HAD DEALER FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS MUST BE ALLOWED TO SELL DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS TO PROMOTE CONSUMER CHOICE AND MARKET FREEDOM..."

www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3777&session=126&summary=B

www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/3777.htm

 

[joewilk45]

Hopefully this is campaign donations coming through nice to see now let's get these trucks built !!!

 

[quikster]

A bill, H. 3777, was introduced in the South Carolina House on January 16, 2025.

Summary: South Carolina Consumer Freedom Act

"...TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY AMENDING SECTION 56‑15‑45, RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF A DEALERSHIP BY A MANUFACTURER OR FRANCHISOR, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT AN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURER THAT OWNS OR OPERATES A MANUFACTURING FACTORY OR ASSEMBLY PLANT THAT HAS NEVER HAD DEALER FRANCHISE AGREEMENTS MUST BE ALLOWED TO SELL DIRECTLY TO CONSUMERS TO PROMOTE CONSUMER CHOICE AND MARKET FREEDOM..."

www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3777&session=126&summary=B

www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/3777.htm

Glad it's being discussed now, should have plenty of time if it doesn't make it the first time through and I'll be able to not have to jump through any weird hoops just to buy it in SC

 

[NukeDukem]

Is this something the Trump administration would support or is this solely at the state level?

 

[Sunrack]

A great example for all states to follow.

 

[ocnsvl]

I've already messaged my state house & senate representatives, insisting they pass this bill

 

[quikster]

Is this something the Trump administration would support or is this solely at the state level?

This is a state level thing there is nothing at the federal level, but there are a bunch of protectionist laws at the state levels to protect dealerships from having any competition.

 

[NukeDukem]

This is a state level thing there is nothing at the federal level, but there are a bunch of protectionist laws at the state levels to protect dealerships from having any competition.

Oh boy

 

[peters43]

Is this something the Trump administration would support or is this solely at the state level?

State specific.

 

[Sloo]

I’m in SC. I contacted my representative to pass this law.
Dealer experience is awful. I’d much rather have a set price and order directly. The dealer lobby is strong in SC, so I predict a big fight, but 99% of buyers can’t stand dealers and their BS tactics.
I hope Scout breaks this dealer stranglehold because I want my Scout!!

 

[NotGrandpasScout]

I suspect NADA lobbyists have been dispatched.

 

[joewilk45]

I picture that Scout will open a distribution center in a DTC state and run all the sales contracts through that state preferably Delaware because of no sales tax. This way you pay in Delaware and pick up in SC or closest Scout center.

 

[NewScout]

Just happened to see this opposing article posted - thought I’d share with this forum. I’m fully in support of the bill - just sharing an opposing viewpoint that was published.

https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/01/28...kers-after-crony-capitalist-carveout-exposed/

 

[quikster]

Just happened to see this opposing article posted - thought I’d share with this forum. I’m fully in support of the bill - just sharing an opposing viewpoint that was published.

https://www.fitsnews.com/2025/01/28...kers-after-crony-capitalist-carveout-exposed/

He didn’t really seem to make a single point against it other than calling it another handout and saying EVs are terrible, didn’t try to defend the dealerships or current car buying experience at all.

 

[joewilk45]

What he should be saying is that Scout motors who SC looks to welcome to its state and the jobs and communities it will spurn. We want the world to know SC is a commonsense state you invest in us and we will invest in you. If you build it here you can sell it here homegrown talent building iconic vehicles for the world. But then we see things that make sense sometimes is hard for others to see. Jobs and infrastructure sounds like a good idea to me especially the company is building something that looks forward that's refreshing.