A bill requiring manufacturers of agricultural equipment to provide repair information has passed the Colorado legislature. The state’s governor has 10 days to sign it.
The bill mirrors a similar bill covering wheelchairs that was signed by the governor, according to published reports.
The ag bill requires manufacturers to provide parts, software, firmware, tools, and documentation to independent repair shops and equipment owners.
Opposition to state legislation is fierce. A report by nonprofit news organization VTDiffer says the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the Northeast Equipment Dealers Association, the Diesel Technology Forum, and the North American Equipment Dealers Association have all submitted objections to Vermont’s H.81 bill. The article also cited lobbying disclosures filed with the Vermont Secretary of State’s Office that indicate Deere and CNH Industrial have retained the Morris Government Affairs lobbying group. In the Dakotas and Minnesota, R2R legislation is being fought by the Pioneer Equipment Dealers Association.
Federal efforts
On March 24, 2023, a coalition of 28 attorneys general signed a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee expressing support and calling for movement on legislation currently in Congress.
- The Fair Repair Act, introduced in the House in 2021 as HR4006 and in the Senate as S3830 in 2022, would require manufacturers to make certain tools and documents available to independent repair providers and owners.
- The Saving Money on Auto Repair Transportation (SMART) Act, introduced in the Senate as S2801, would allow repair shops to use alternative or off-brand parts to repair vehicles.
- The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act, introduced in the House as HR6570, prevents manufacturers from mandating specific brands of parts and equipment be used on a vehicle and would require manufacturers to provide a standardized platform for owners and repair shops to access data and diagnostics.
States with active right to repair legislation
Alaska SB112, Proposed. Focus: Electronics
California SB244 / SB271: Amended. Focus: Consumer devices / wheelchairs.
Colorado HB1011: Passed by House and Senate. Focus: Ag equipment
Connecticut HB6512: In committee. Focus: Consumer electronics
Delaware HB41: Passed committee, placed on the Ready List. Focus: Electronics
Floridan SB422: Senate ag committee votes yes, sent to commerce and tourism. Focus: Ag equipment
Georgia SB243: Proposed, not voted on. Focus: Electronics
Hawaii SB1105 / HB645: Deferred. Focus: Electronics, specifically excludes construction equipment >$100,000
Iowa HF587. Focus: Electronics
Illinois HB3593: Referred to Rules Committee. Focus: General electronics
Massachusetts HD3826 / SD793: Referred to committee. Focus: Mobile electronics.
Maryland HB1193: Hearing in committee. Focus: Vehicle telematics repair data.
Missouri HB698: Introduced, no hearing scheduled. Focus: Construction, forestry, ag equipment.
Minnesota HF1337 / SF1598: In revision. House passed, Senate in committee. Focus: Electronics, exempts ag and heavy equipment.
New Hampshire HB73: In committee. Focus: Home appliances.
New Jersey AB3612: Referred to Ag committee. Focus: Farm equipment and lawn mowers.
New York SB4104-A: Passed. Focus: Electronics.
Ohio SB273: In Senate committee. Focus: Electronics, excludes cars and farm equipment.
Oklahoma SB869: Referred to Energy committee. Focus: Electronics.
Oregon SB542: In Senate Committee. Focus: Electronics.
South Dakota SB194: Defeated in Senate; opposed by Pioneer Equipment Dealers Assn. Focus: Electronics, including medical equipment.
Tennessee SB0077: Referred to Senate labor committee. Focus: Power wheelchairs.
Texas HB515 / SB1654: In Business & Industry committee. Focus: Ag and heavy equipment.
Washington SB5464 / HB1392: In Senate committee Passed in House. Focus: Electronics.
West Virginia HB3384 / SB738: Passed Senate, in House committee. Focus: Ag equipment.
Vermont H81: In committee. Focus: Ag equipment.
