Massachusetts Data Access Hearing Draws Aftermarket Supporters

Massachusetts Data Access Hearing Draws Strong Support

The Legislature now has until May 15 to determine whether to pass the bill.

On Jan. 13, the Massachusetts Legislature held the first hearing on legislation that would ensure consumers would have access to the repair data generated by their vehicle. Held in the biggest hearing room in the Massachusetts Statehouse, the room was packed with repair shop owners and technicians, as well as representatives from the major parts retailers and tool suppliers — providing a major show of support for the new legislation the auto care industry in the state, according to the Auto Care Association.

The three-and-a-half hour-long hearing featured testimony from multiple shop owners who discussed the need for the current Right to Repair law to be amended to ensure that car owners have access to wireless repair and diagnostic data generated by most late model vehicles. Opponents of the legislation, mainly trade groups representing car and truck manufacturers, countered that the law was not necessary, and it would expose an extensive amount of a driver’s personal information. Manufacturers further alleged that making data available would make critical vehicle safety systems vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

However, legal experts explained to legislators that the bill was specifically worded to only require access to repair and diagnostic data, ensuring that personal information would be protected. Further, cyber experts and law enforcement representatives including former Boston police commissioner Ed Davis told committee members that car owners should have the ability to control data generated by their vehicles and that such action could be taken cyber securely. Technology experts additionally pointed out that there were international standards that could be utilized in order to protect vehicle data and that manufacturers already had the ability to separate out personal data from mechanical data in order to ensure protection for car owner privacy.

In its news release announcing the details of the hearing, the Auto Care Association stated, “The hearing clearly was a great day for car owners and the independent auto care industry both in the demonstration of support for the bill, but also in combatting vehicle manufacturers attempts to scare the legislature regarding cybersecurity and privacy. The Auto Care Association would like to thank all of its members who took time out of their busy schedule to come to Boston for this important event.”

The Legislature now has until May 15 to determine whether to pass the bill and therefore negate the need for a ballot measure that has been filed by the Massachusetts Right to Repair Committee that would mandate access to vehicle diagnostic and repair data.

A full recording of the hearing can be viewed here.

You May Also Like

SEMA Urges Members to Support Tax Relief Bill

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 benefits specialty automotive aftermarket businesses, according to SEMA.

SEMA Action Network

SEMA is encouraging its members to reach out to their representatives and ask for their support on H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. The bill, which The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on this week, benefits specialty automotive aftermarket businesses, according to SEMA, by allowing for the immediate expensing of R&D and investments in equipment and increasing the small business expensing cap by nearly 30%.

ASA Endorses Bipartisan Tax Framework

The Automotive Service Association says the legislation is beneficial for independent automotive repair businesses.

Industry Partners Urge Congress to Pass R&D Deductibility Fix

“Congress must restore this tax provision to enhance U.S. competitiveness, job creation and innovation as soon as possible,” said Ann Wilson, MEMA’s executive vice president of government affairs.

Legislators Challenge Vehicle Data Access ‘Double Standard’

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez joined other legislators in sending a letter to NHTSA about proposed guidance for implementing the Massachusetts Right to Repair law.

House Passes Bill to Stop EPA Emissions Mandate

The U.S. House passed the “Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act” (H.R. 4468) with bipartisan support.

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

Other Posts

Auto Care Voices Support for FTC, DOJ Comments on Right to Repair

The agencies asserted that renewing and expanding repair-related exemptions would promote competition in markets for replacement parts, repair and maintenance services.

bill hanvey right to repair
MEMA Aftermarket Provides Maine Right to Repair Update

MEMA opposes the Maine legislature advancing a law that would undo major parts of the right-to-repair referendum.

MEMA Aftermarket Recaps Maine Right to Repair Update
Gallery: MEMA Aftermarket’s Right-to-Repair Fly-In

MEMA said meetings with legislators and their staffs achieved support for The REPAIR Act vote on the House floor.

MEMA-Right-to-repair-fly-in
Snap-on Adds Access to Audi, VW Secured Vehicle Gateway

This new access to VAG vehicles adds to the existing access to 2018 and newer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) vehicles, available through AutoAuth registration.

Audi and VW Snap-On access