Right-to-Repair Resurfaces

A failed right-to-repair proposal in New Hampshire has resurfaced through an interim study subcommittee, which has scheduled a work session for Sept. 9.

Right-to-repair legislation, while introduced in several states, has yet to become law. The bills propose requiring manufacturers of equipment containing electronic devices to provide repair information to consumers and independent repair organization on the same terms that they provide that information to authorized repair facilities.

The Equipment Dealers Association has taken the position that it supports legislation which protects consumers and opposes legislation which allows the widespread release of proprietary equipment repair information to unqualified parties.

While our Association has taken no position, we want to be sure that independent, shortline-only dealers have the information and equipment they need to run a service department.

While proponents have not seen success, it does not appear to have damped their efforts and we expect to see similar bill filed in many states after the November elections.