March 12, 2013—Maine Rep. Bernard L.A. Ayotte (R-13) recently introduced new Right to Repair legislation in the form of House Bill 539.
The bill would require 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 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 state legislature and signed by the governor last year.
Voters in Massachusetts also approved a ballot initiative establishing a new Right to Repair law in the state.
While automobile manufacturer trade associations and parts distributors supported the Massachusetts legislation, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) opposed the Massachusetts Right to Repair legislation and also opposes the bill introduced in Maine.
The ASA says it supports a marketplace solution for independent repairers obtaining service information as outlined by the 2002 ASA-Automaker Service Information Agreement.
To view the full text of this bill, visit TakingTheHill.com.
