A bill that would allow electric-car maker Tesla Motors to sell directly to Connecticut consumers is accelerating through the legislative process.



The General Assembly's Transportation Committee on Wednesday voted 25-to-3 in favor of the proposal, which is expected to be further negotiated as the legislative session continues.

If ultimately approved, the bill would take effect on Oct. 1.



Rep. Antonio "Tony" Guerrera, the committee's co-chairman, has been trying to negotiate a deal between Tesla and the Connecticut Automotive Retailers. He called the Tesla "one of the best cars" he's ever driven, but wants to make sure any final agreement doesn't "wipe out a whole other industry."



The car dealers claim the proposal would create a massive loophole in the state's current auto franchise law and put 13,000 jobs at risk.