Committee Approves LaSata Car Dealership Legislation

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A Michigan House committee this week approved legislation from state Senator Kim LaSata to give car dealerships more flexibility with their operating hours. LaSata tells WSJM News current state law requires Class A and B dealerships to be open at least 30 hours per week, 52 weeks a year. The law is designed to ensure fly by night car dealerships don’t pop up and sell cars to people before abruptly closing.

“It really was to protect the consumer, but as with lots of laws, we see maybe there are some areas that don’t work and we need to make adjustments,” LaSata said. “This bill would help to make those adjustments for those out there that really wanted more flexibility.”

LaSata’s bill is a slight adjustment to the rules, requiring dealerships to be open 30 hours per week, 48 weeks per year instead of 52. She proposed the bill after being approached by Chris Britton, director of the New Heights Christian Community Development Association.

“During the Christmas holiday, he wanted to be able to give his employees a week off of paid vacation, and because of current law, he wasn’t able to do that.”

The bill has been approved in the state Senate unanimously and cleared the House Committee on Regulatory Reform Tuesday. It now goes to the full House.