I have been a proud Tesla owner for five years, and upgrading to a Tesla was a life-changing decision. Tesla has not only been the best vehicle I've ever owned, but it has also revolutionized how we perceive and utilize electric vehicles. The prospect of sharing my extraordinary experience with others and encouraging them to step into the future by owning a Tesla is exhilarating. Unfortunately, current legislation in Ohio, specifically the Ohio Administrative Code 4701-11-04, also known as the bird dog law, prevents me from taking part in Tesla's referral program. This law prohibits me, and countless other Tesla enthusiasts, from earning any referral benefits when introducing potential owners to Tesla's innovative vehicles.

This barrier not only limits Tesla's growth but also restricts the enthusiastic community of owners, who are eager to expand the reach of zero-emission vehicles that contribute positively to our environment. Tesla's referral program is designed as an incentive for current owners who passionately share their positive experiences. However, because of the Ohio bird dog law, Tesla owners in Ohio are unfairly excluded from this initiative.

By amending the Ohio Administrative Code 4701-11-04, we can pave the way for Tesla owners in Ohio to participate fully in this rewarding program. This amendment would not require overturning the whole law, but simply adjusting it to allow for referral benefits for Tesla owners—which are non-monetary incentives such as Supercharging miles, driving experiences, and limited-edition products. By doing so, the state would acknowledge the unique model Tesla employs and align itself with the sustainability goals its residents value.

Such a change could invigorate the EV market in Ohio, boosting adoption rates and empowering residents to choose a greener lifestyle. This increased engagement by Tesla owners would amplify the narrative of clean automotive technology, and foster a deeper consumer connection to the potential of electric vehicles. Please support this petition to encourage Ohio lawmakers to amend the Ohio bird dog law, enabling Tesla owners to partake in the referral program and help drive change towards a more sustainable future. Sign this petition and help us make this pivotal legislative change a reality.

See the proposed amendment attached below which has been emailed to Donna Oklok, who is the Executive Director of The Accountancy Board Of Ohio and a few other interested parties.

Proposed Amendment:I respectfully propose the following targeted amendments to OAC 4701-11-04 to clarify and exempt non-professional, consumer-oriented referral programs:

Add an Exemption for Non-Professional Referrals: Insert a new paragraph or subclause exempting referral fees or commissions from consumer programs (e.g., automotive, retail, or technology referral incentives) that are not tied to the permit holder's professional services. For example:
"(F) This rule does not apply to referral fees or commissions received through consumer incentive programs unrelated to the permit holder's accounting or attestation services, provided full disclosure is made to any involved parties and no client relationship under paragraph (B) exists."
Refine Definitions: Update the definitions in paragraph (A) to explicitly exclude incentives from general consumer referral programs. For instance, amend (1) to read: "'Commission' means compensation for recommending or referring any product or service to be supplied by another person or entity, excluding incentives from non-professional consumer referral programs not involving accounting services."

These changes would preserve the rule's protections against conflicts of interest in professional engagements while allowing Ohio permit holders to participate in everyday consumer programs like Tesla's referrals.