Right to Repair Legislation Introduced in Washington

Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) introduced the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) into the 110th Congress.
Joining Rep. Towns were Reps. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Steven LaTourette (R-OH), George Miller (D-CA), and James Moran (D-VA).
“These six members of Congress understand that American consumers should have a right to choose where they get their vehicles serviced and repaired,” Kathleen Schmatz, Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association president and CEO.
“We want to thank each of them for taking the lead and supporting this very important piece of pro-consumer and pro-small business legislation.
“Right to repair ensures that car owners can continue to enjoy the convenience and affordability of having their vehicle serviced at the repair shop of their choice whether it’s their neighborhood repair shop or a franchised dealership.”
The Motor Vehicle Owners Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) would mandate that car companies provide full access to all tools and service information needed to repair motor vehicles, thus leveling the competitive playing field between dealers and independent repair shops.
“This legislation is all about who owns the car owner’s vehicle, the car owner or the car company,” stated David Parde, president of the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality.
“Consumers spend thousands of dollars to purchase their vehicle and should not be told where they should obtain those repairs by the manufacturer,” Parde commented.
The legislation further provides car companies with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised new car dealers.
The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements.