Right to Repair bill introduced in Maine

Recently, Maine Rep. Bernard L.A. Ayotte (R-3), introduced House Bill 539, Right to Repair legislation, according to the Automotive Service Association (ASA).

This bill requires motor vehicle manufacturers to make available to vehicle owners and independent motor vehicle repair facilities diagnostic and repair information and equipment at no more than fair market value and in a way that does not unfairly favor the manufacturers’ dealers and authorized repair facilities.

Similar legislation, establishing the Massachusetts state government as a regulator of service information, was passed by the legislature and signed by the governor of Massachusetts last year. In addition, voters in Massachusetts approved a ballot initiative establishing a new Right to Repair law in Massachusetts.

Automobile manufacturer trade associations and parts distributors supported the Massachusetts legislation. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) opposed the Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation and ballot initiative, and it also opposes the bill introduced in Maine. ASA supports a marketplace solution for independent repairers obtaining service information as outlined by the 2002 ASA-Automaker Service Information Agreement and not additional state or federal laws on this issue.

To view the full text of this bill and related information, visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.