Connecticut Senate majority leader Bob Duff unveils bill to allow Tesla’s direct sales model in the state

At a news conference with Tesla representatives today, Connecticut Senate majority leader Bob Duff unveiled a new bill to allow Tesla’s direct sales model in the state.

It’s the latest development in Tesla’s battle for the right to sell electric vehicles directly to consumers instead of having to go through third-party dealerships. Tesla Motors’ General Counsel Todd Maron went before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last month to argue against the prohibition of direct sales in the auto industry in certain states, while the company recently applied for a dealership license in Michigan, where it is also not allowed to sell cars.

At the press conference today, Sen. Bob Duff said (via AP)  that the bill would allow customers to buy electric cars without leaving the state and therefore benefit consumers and Connecticut’s economy.

The bill would represent a compromise similar to agreements Tesla has in other states like New Jersey or New York, where the automaker is limited to a certain number of stores, in the case of Connecticut, it would be three stores across the state.