Right to Repair Act Introduced into 112th Congress - aftermarketNews

Right to Repair Act Introduced into 112th Congress

Democrat Edolphus Towns, Republican Todd Platts jointly introduced the bill.

BETHESDA, Md. – Reps. Todd Platts (R-Pa.-York) and Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.-Brooklyn) have introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 1449) into the 112th Congress.

According to proponents of the bill, the Right to Repair Act aims to protect motoring consumers from an "expensive and growing vehicle repair monopoly by requiring that car companies provide full access at a reasonable cost to all service information, tools, computer codes and safety-related bulletins needed to repair motor vehicles."

The pro-consumer, pro-small business bill is intended to level the competitive playing field for motoring consumers and between new car dealerships and independent repair shops. Supporters say the legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets, only requiring them to make available the same non-proprietary diagnostic and repair information they provide their franchised dealers.

“The Right to Repair Act is really about who owns the vehicle’s repair information, the car owner or the car company. After spending thousands of dollars to purchase a vehicle, consumers should not be denied the ability to have that vehicle repaired at the facility of their choice,” said Sandy Bass-Cors, executive director of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE). “Without Right to Repair, millions of car owners will be further held hostage by the car companies, forced to return to the dealership even after the vehicle is out of warranty. Every American taxpayer paid for the car company bailouts and ‘Cash for Clunkers.’ It’s time that pro-consumer legislation is passed that doesn’t cost the taxpayers money."

Supporters of the bill say the need for the Right to Repair Act has become apparent due to the growing use of computers and electronics that control nearly every function of a vehicle, from air bags and brakes to ignition, fuel injection and tire pressure monitoring systems. Although these computer systems provide benefits to consumers through improved fuel-efficiency, comfort and safety, they also provide increasing opportunities for car companies to deny access to car owners and the repair shops where they normally obtain service for their vehicle, the supporters say.

“We want to thank Reps. Towns and Platts for joining forces and taking important action to ensure that American car owners will continue to have access to quality, affordable auto repair,” said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). “The Right to Repair Act does not cost tax payers money, but instead keeps motorists in the driver’s seat by making sure that they, and not the vehicle manufacturers, have the final say on where their car is taken for service, whether to a dealership or a trusted neighborhood repair shop.”

To learn more about Right to Repair, click 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

U.S. House Schedules Vote to Stop EPA Emissions Mandate

The SEMA-supported bill would prohibit the EPA from finalizing federal emissions standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles model years ’27 to ’32.

emissions
Section 301 Tariffs & Circumvention: A Closer Look

There’s buzz suggesting that these tariffs are likely here to stay, possibly with even steeper charges on specific items.

Maine Voters Overwhelmingly Back Right to Repair

Over 80% of Mainers voted “yes” to ensure that they and their repair shops can access vehicle diagnostic tools and data.

AAPEX Keynote: Right to Repair Takes Center Stage

While there are headwinds, Congressional support is moving the REPAIR Act forward.

Right to Repair AAPEX