Tesla plans to open three stores in the state if the bill passes.
A bill allowing electric car-maker Tesla Motors to sell directly to Connecticut consumers has cleared the state House of Representatives.
Despite some concerns about the effect it will have on local auto dealerships, the bill passed 116 to 32 Thursday. It now awaits action in the Senate.
Tesla is not named in the bill, but the legislation creates a narrow exemption in Connecticut's existing franchise law. Currently, vehicle manufacturers are not allowed to also be a retailer. If this bill passes the Senate and is signed by Governor Dannel Malloy, Tesla plans to open three stores in Connecticut. The company already has a retail presence in about 20 other states.
Casino Expansion Faces Uncertain House
Despite initially appearing to be on a legislative fast track, a bill that would open the door for a new tribal casino in Connecticut must now clear the state House of Representatives where the level of support remains unclear.
Democratic House Speaker Brendan Sharkey said his party has not taken any preliminary vote counts on the legislation, which cleared the Senate on Wednesday.
Sharkey was unenthusiastic about the original bill but he's now open to voting on the retooled version. Initially, the legislation would authorize up to three satellite tribal casinos in the state. Supporters say the new casinos would save jobs and compete with new casinos in neighboring states.
About a dozen casino opponents gathered at the Capitol to urge House members to oppose the legislation because new casinos will worsen gambling addiction.
Hospital and Health Care Bill Goes to House
The state senate has passed a bipartisan and wide-ranging bill of hospital and health care reforms. It's the result of discussions in the past six months led by Senate President Martin Looney and Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano concerning the growing power of large hospital systems in the state.
In a statement, Senator Looney said the bill "represents bold action protecting consumers from the anti-competitive practices that have increased costs for consumers."
The legislative package calls for the development of a consumer health information website that would allow for comparison of data. It requires insurers to cover the costs of emergency medical services, without balance billing and effectively eliminates facility fees for outpatient services at outpatient locations owned by big hospitals.
There's been opposition to the bill by hospital and health care officials.
The measure moves now to the House.
This report includes information from the Associated Press.
