Brandom: End of Session Legislation

Over the course of the next few weeks the focus of these Capitol Reports will be to inform the reader of additional pieces of legislation that passed the General Assembly this past session.

Auto-Dealer Franchise Protection

The Missouri General Assembly has passed legislation that keeps the “playing field” level for Missouri’s local, new vehicle franchise dealerships and their respective manufacturing companies. This bill [HB2198] changes the laws regarding the Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act and designs a compromise of rules and regulations for franchises and their franchisees.

Contacts between manufacturers and dealers are currently non-negotiable and make it difficult for franchisees to stay in business. Because of this problem, legislators worked to find common-ground through negotiable contracts between the two parties.

Missouri’s had an unfortunate series of terminations of family-owned and operated General Motors and Chrysler franchise dealerships, and we need to protect the over 400 remaining dealers in the state. Something had to be done for these dealers.

By protecting business owners, we protect thousands of good jobs in our state.

Strengthening DWI Laws

According to studies, about three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at some time in their lives. Many times, these accidents result in serious injuries and even death. In Missouri, we made it a priority to strengthen the existing drunk driving laws, taking a further step to help safeguard our citizens.

This legislation [HB1695] moves DWI cases to state courts in any case involving defendants with at least two alcohol related contact with authorities. State courts, in comparison to municipal courts, have more severe penalties for drunk-drivers.

Also, municipal judges must report all DWI case dispositions to a centralized databank. This in turn holds them more accountable to the process and ensures all courts have access to a defendant’s complete background.

This bill adds penalties to the DWI laws and encourages some DWI offender to go to special courts. Additionally, it removes the requirement that no test can be given when a person stopped for an alleged DWI refuses to submit to a chemical test at the request of a law enforcement officer.

I am confident that the steps we have taken will go a long way in protecting the citizens of Missouri and the residents of the 160^th district.

As always, please contact me if you have questions on this or any other issue. My toll-free number is 866-834-9219 or you can email me at Ellen{dot}Brandom{at}house{dot}mo{dot}gov