Bill > SB0499

This bill introduces the "Agricultural Right to Repair Act" in Tennessee, which aims to give farmers and independent repair providers more freedom to diagnose, maintain, and repair agricultural equipment. The legislation requires original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to make documentation, parts, and tools available to equipment owners and independent repair providers on "fair and reasonable terms," which means without imposing unnecessary restrictions, at no or minimal cost, and without requiring complex agreements. The bill prohibits manufacturers from using software techniques like "parts pairing" to prevent the installation of non-manufacturer parts or to create false warnings that might discourage independent repairs. OEMs cannot use technological methods to limit repairs, charge additional fees, or reduce equipment functionality when non-original parts are used. The law applies to agricultural equipment like farming machinery, but explicitly excludes motor vehicles and industrial construction equipment. If an OEM violates these requirements, they can be subject to penalties under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act. The bill provides some protections for manufacturers, such as not requiring them to disclose trade secrets or sell parts that are no longer available. The legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, and is designed to give farmers more autonomy and potentially reduce equipment repair costs by increasing competition in the repair market.

Business and Industry, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB0499&ga=114