St. Cloud Sun

Rep. Bernie Perryman, a Republican representing St. Cloud, has been named “Legislator of the Year” by the Minnesota Automobile Dealers Association (MADA) at its annual membership event.

During the 2025 legislative session, Perryman authored House File 320, one of MADA’s priority bills. The legislation provides statutory clarification allowing auto dealers to participate as exhibitors in auto shows outside their licensed counties without violating franchise agreements.

“This is beneficial to local dealers because it clears up any confusion that could arise from dealers participating in shows out of their markets, drawing a line between participating in shows and selling at shows,” Perryman said. “I am grateful for this award and am happy deliver a good, bipartisan bill that passed the House with overwhelming support.”

Amanda Duerr, Director of Government Affairs for MADA, stated: “Rep. Perryman is a franchised business owner herself, so understands our industry well. She is a hardworking, common-sense legislator who does good bipartisan work for the state.”

As vice-chair of the House Commerce Committee, Perryman also played a key role in addressing what became known as “fixing the key ban.” Without legislative action during the 2025 session, an obscure law passed in 2023 would have made every key in Minnesota illegal.

Scott Lambert, President of MADA, expressed appreciation: “On behalf of Minnesota’s franchised new motor vehicle dealers, we thank Rep. Perryman for her support. We are grateful to have such a strong and capable advocate.”