Bill on car dealer suits headed to Blunt

JEFFERSON CITY — Car buyers who believe they have been stuck with a lemon could face new restrictions on whom they can sue.

The Senate gave final approval Tuesday to legislation prohibiting some lawsuits against wholesalers who supply vehicles to retail dealerships. Under the bill, consumers would be able to sue only the dealership from which they directly purchased their vehicles.

The bill only affects lawsuits filed under a state law dealing with deception, false promises and misrepresentation.

Supporters intend for the measure to reverse a Supreme Court decision that allowed a lawsuit against a wholesaler who supplied a vehicle to retail dealership.

The legislation now goes to Gov. Matt Blunt.