As we approach the close of summer and the Texas Legislature continues its second called Special Session, this is an important time to reflect on the legislative challenges and victories our dealerships have faced in 2025 — and to look ahead with purpose and unity.

Progress at the State Level

Working together with legislators, TADA successfully revised the 2023 permanent license plate requirement. Thanks to our advocacy, plates on a trade-in now follow the person rather than the vehicle — easing some of the burden from dealerships. We also defeated proposals that would have harmed our industry, including forced financing, expanded manufacturer control over used car sales and converters issuing titles. Unfortunately, one important measure — ensuring fair manufacturer reimbursement to dealers for parts on warranty and recall work — did not advance. We will continue that fight because we know how critical it is for you and your customers.

Federal Successes

Nationally, TADA partnered with NADA to stop the FTC’s harmful Vehicle Shopping Rule. Congress also struck down CARB ZEV mandates through the Congressional Review Act and included favorable tax provisions for small businesses and customers in the “Big Beautiful Bill.” These are real wins that protect both your businesses and your customers.

Navigating Challenges Together

We know the rollout of the hard plate program has been rocky. Moving from 254 counties to more than 20,000 dealers was bound to be complex. Karen Phillips has been working tirelessly to gather your concerns and push them to TxDMV, and those efforts are making a difference.

At the same time, the manufacturers, through the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, have challenged state franchise laws nationwide, recently penning a letter claiming franchise laws harm customers and competition. We have seen this effort before and know their claims are false. This is certainly a wake-up call that we can never rest on telling legislators the story of the importance of the three-tier system to Texas consumers. This is also an opportunity for us to unite. Now more than ever, we must show Texas lawmakers what dealerships mean to the 290 Texas communities we proudly serve.

Call to Action

This is where you come in. Legislators need to hear our story directly from you, their local dealers. Franchised dealerships are the perfect stage to highlight the jobs, community investment and customer service that Texas dealers provide every single day. And now is the time because legislators are looking for ways to connect locally through the campaign season.

Here’s how you can help:

• Host Your Elected Officials: Invite them for a tour, invite them to lunch with you and some of your employees, or offer to host a press event for them at your dealership.
• Engage in the Community: Bring lawmakers as your guests to luncheons or community events. If you are sponsoring a table at your Chamber luncheon or a charity event, invite your legislator to join you.
• Showcase Your Impact: Share how your dealership supports the local economy, offers quality employment options and serves your customers.
• Leverage the TADA Toolkit: Use the TADA toolkit to discuss the issues we face and the solutions we stand for at the Texas Legislature.
• Amplify Visibility: When you host a legislator, be sure to capture photos, post on social media, share with them to post and share with TADA.

Of the 150 Texas House members, 65 were elected after 2020. In the Senate, 9 of 31 joined after 2020. Many do not yet fully understand the value franchised dealers bring. Lobbyists can only do so much to influence policy — no voice is more powerful than yours, showing firsthand the difference you, as a business owner, make in your community.

Moving Forward

We have proven time and again what we can accomplish together. We are committed to giving you the tools you need to strengthen relationships with policymakers and to ensure that Texas dealerships remain strong, competitive and consumer-focused.

Thank you for all that you do — for your customers, your employees, your communities and for this association. I am proud to stand with you, and I am confident that together, we will meet the challenges ahead and continue building a stronger future.