While this legislative session did not end the way we had hoped, our commitment to protecting Illinois franchised dealers has never been stronger.
Once again, Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch refused to call IADA’s franchise protection legislation for a vote on the House floor. We are deeply disappointed and frustrated that this important measure was denied the opportunity to be debated and decided through the legislative process — even after earning the support of 100 of the House’s 118 members.
Adding to this frustration, the Speaker continues to enforce an unwritten rule that requires 60 confirmed Democratic votes before any bill is called for a vote. While 60 votes are required to pass legislation in the House, insisting that all 60 come exclusively from Democratic members disregards overwhelming bipartisan support and prevents legislation from receiving the fair consideration it deserves.
At the center of this opposition is a small group of about a dozen suburban House Democrats who sided with direct sellers rather than the franchised dealerships operating in their own districts. We have reached out to dealerships represented by these legislators to share our concerns and encourage continued dealer engagement, because your voices matter.
By refusing to bring this measure before the House, Democratic leadership denied lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public the opportunity to fully debate and consider this critical proposal. Illinois dealerships deserve a transparent, fair and predictable legislative process. Procedural roadblocks that prevent legislation from receiving a vote undermine confidence in the integrity of the legislative process.
To recap our efforts, IADA’s original franchise protection bill, SB 1939, passed the Illinois Senate unanimously, 55-0. Despite that extraordinary bipartisan support, House leadership repeatedly refused to allow the legislation to be considered.
This bill would provide essential protections for Illinois’ franchise system by closing potential loopholes that could allow legacy manufacturers to bypass franchise agreements through affiliated entities or corporate spin-offs, such as Volkswagen’s Scout Motors venture, to sell vehicles directly to consumers. It would also ensure that future manufacturers — including potential Chinese automakers — cannot circumvent Illinois’ longstanding franchise laws through similar business structures.
Although we are disappointed by this outcome, we are far from discouraged.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our partners at the Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) for their collaboration throughout this effort. Their support has been greatly appreciated. We also thank the members of the Illinois Senate and the 100 members of the Illinois House who stood with their local franchised dealerships and supported a fair legislative process.
Most importantly, thank you to each of our dealer members for your advocacy, your engagement and your unwavering support. Your efforts helped build overwhelming bipartisan momentum, and that momentum will continue.
IADA remains fully committed to protecting Illinois’ franchise system. We will continue fighting for this legislation, advocating on your behalf and holding lawmakers accountable. While this year’s effort was blocked by procedure rather than by a vote, we remain confident that persistence, strong dealer advocacy and broad bipartisan support will ultimately prevail.
This fight is not over. We will continue to stand with you, fight for you and protect the franchise system that has served Illinois consumers, communities and dealerships for generations.
Thank you for standing with us.
