OLYMPIA — A bill to protect consumers and create a fair, competitive auto sales market in Washington state was introduced Friday.
Senate Bill 5377, sponsored by Sens. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) and Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles), strengthens consumer protections and promotes fair practices among manufacturers, distributors, and local auto dealers. It closes a decades-old loophole that limited consumer choice and created an uneven playing field for manufacturers of clean-fueled vehicles in Washington state.
“This legislation is about fairness and transparency,” Saldaña said. “Consumers deserve confidence in their purchasing decisions, and dealers deserve equitable treatment in their partnerships with manufacturers. By leveling the playing field, we ensure working families have more choices as they transition to clean-fueled vehicles while supporting local businesses.”
The bill promotes transparent and equitable practices in the clean-fueled vehicle market, addressing disparities to ensure consumers statewide can access clean-fueled vehicles at local dealerships. These efforts support both community well-being and Washington’s climate goals.
“The dealership model has benefitted dealers, consumers and communities alike for generations, particularly in rural Washington,” said Sen. Mike Chapman, co-sponsor of the bill. “Auto dealers play a large role in every community through charitable work, sponsorship of community events and most important, the creation of family-wage jobs. Direct sales give one company an unfair advantage and provide little to no accountability for the car-buying public.”
The bill is awaiting a committee hearing in the Senate.
