Pub. 61 2020-2021 Issue 4

9 SUMMER 2021 "Our team was able to advance several of our legislative priorities and was successful at preventing legislative efforts that would have a negative effect on the dealer community from being passed into law. Thank you to everyone that participated in advocating for the auto industry in Texas!" - April Ancira, TADA Board Chair TADA REVIEW OF THE 87TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION FRANCHISE ISSUES COVID RESPONSE SB 1400/HB 1865 (Hughes/Cain) Tesla Legislation, as introduced, stated that the TxDMV board should give preference to manufacturers in the state. TADA opposed both SB 1400 and HB 1865. Neither bill received a hearing. HB 4379 (Harris) Direct Sales Rivian’s bill. Legislation, as introduced, would have allowed electric vehicle manufacturers to have dealerships if there is no competition with a franchised dealer of the same line-make. TADA opposed HB 4379 in the House Transportation Committee. HB 4379 was heard in House Transportation on May 11, but no further action was taken. SB 1584/HB 4097 (Hughes/Dutton) Arrow Truck Sales Legislation, as introduced, would have allowed a specific heavy-duty truck manufacturer to continue to conduct used heavy-duty truck sales at certain locations in the state beyond their current statutory deadline of Sept. 1, 2023. TADA opposed HB 4097 in the House Transportation Committee. HB 4097 was heard in House Transportation on April 20, but no further action was taken. SB 6/HB 3659 (Hancock et al./Leach) Pandemic Liability Protections Legislation will provide retroactive civil liability protections for large and small businesses, religious institutions, nonprofit entities, health care providers, first responders, and educational institutions against lawsuits arising from a declared pandemic emergency. TADA supported SB 6 in the Senate Business and Commerce Committee. SB 6 was signed into law by Governor Abbott on June 14 and is effective immediately. SB 372/HB 1195 (Hancock/Geren) PPP Loan Forgiveness Legislation excludes forgiven PPP loan proceeds from total revenue for Texas franchise tax purposes. TADA was supportive of this legislation. HB 1195 was signed into law by Governor Abbott on May 8 and is effective immediately.  LEGISLATIVE SESSION — CONTINUED ON PAGE 10