thanks for the clarification Douglas!
For whatever it's wroth, I spent a little more time to fashion a letter to our governor. I wanted to add my "feather" to the scale while it was fresh in my mind and before the bill gets signed into law in the coming weeks just in case there is something that can be done to make the bill better. I'm no lawyer so I'm sure there are technical flaws in my wording.
"Dear Governor, I am a fan of yours, have read your book, have put solar on my home, sold both my gas cars and replaced them with solar powered zero emission electric vehicles (Tesla Model S and the Nissan Leaf). I am writing to you today because I am very displeased with the outcome of HB 2524/SB 6272. I urge you to consider vetoing part or all of the bill! the bill was dropped late in the session, forcing last minute amendments without constituents having a chance to weigh in on them. With the exception of Tesla Motors, the auto dealer's association further secured their anti-competitive, anti-free market, business as usual grip on the larger auto market. The bill outcome is fine enough for Tesla with the striker amendement, it means they can expand in Washington state but Section 1 still means no new manufacturers (even ones' with no franchises aka sub agencies) can use the same direct-sales model, which has been key to Tesla's success. No other car manufacturer other than the big three have survived this start up process in over 50 years! All auto manufacturers who fit the definition of sub agencies who choose direct marketing should be allowed to do so in Washington state in the future, not just Tesla. The dealership franchise model is awful for the consumer, it drives up costs and makes the process of buying a car stressful and often down right sleazy. How refreshing it was to purchase a Tesla on line, no haggling, no pressure, all from the comfort of my living room. There was plenty of time to research and pick exactly the features I wanted with the car. Franchise dealers add a lot of pressure and several thousand dollars to the price of a car. It's notable that for just a few thousand dollars Tesla was able to fund a nationwide, free for life, super charging network. It's remarkable, the difference between franchises and no franchises meant free fuel for owners of Tesla vehicles for life! You are well aware of the dire need for dramatic change in the direction that the auto industry has been going in for far too long and I hope you see the need to assure that the future of direct sales for manufacturers (at least the ones who meet the definition of sub agencies) in Washington state is key to future innovation and is persevered. I'm no lawyer, but it appears to me that the only way to achieve this is either vetoing the bill in it's entirety or if you are able, striking the portion that limits direct sales by "sub agencies". thank you for your consideration!"