Tennessee House Bill HB0660

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 17 and Title 62, Chapter 19, relative to auctions of previously titled motor vehicles that are antique or unique.

Impact

The introduction of HB 0660 will have a localized impact on the regulatory framework governing vehicle sales and could lead to an increase in community-based auction events. By relieving individuals and organizations from needing a dealer license for designated auctions in conjunction with festivals, it is expected to encourage more auctions of antique vehicles. This could benefit local economies by attracting visitors to such events and generating funds for designated causes like the hospital mentioned in the bill. However, the specific conditions tied to population metrics may limit the scope of this exemption strictly to specific areas, potentially raising questions about equitable access to auction opportunities across other locations in the state.

Summary

House Bill 0660 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the sale and purchase of previously titled antique or unique motor vehicles through auctions. Specifically, the bill stipulates that a motor vehicle dealer license is not required for such transactions if they occur during a motor vehicle festival held in a specified county. The bill sets particular conditions, including that the festival must take place in October 2023 and be located in a county with a population between 366,200 and 366,300 according to the latest census. Moreover, a part of the proceeds from these auction sales would go towards supporting a hospital neurological institute in the same county.

Contention

Issues of contention may arise from this bill, particularly concerning the regulations surrounding vehicle sales. Critics might argue that the bill creates an unequal playing field, favoring certain regions over others based solely on population metrics and specific event timelines. Additionally, concerns may be raised about the adequacy of oversight on these auction events, as obtaining a dealer's license usually entails a level of accountability and consumer protection that might be undermined by these exemptions. Such changes could lead to disparate outcomes in consumer experiences and protections in different counties across Tennessee.