Tesla car sale bill passes state Senate

TRENTON (AP) — New Jerseyans are a step closer to be allowed to buy electric cars directly from manufacturers.

The state Senate on Monday passed a bill that would reverse a decision by the state Motor Vehicle Commission that banned car manufacturers like Tesla Motors from selling to consumers in the state.

Last year's MVC rule required new-car dealers to have franchise agreements. Tesla sells directly to customers, so customers in New Jersey were forced to go to New York or Pennsylvania.

The bill would permit companies like Tesla to sell directly from up to four locations and provide one servicing facility.

It will be up to Gov. Chris Christie to sign the measure into law.

(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)