Bill > H452

This bill establishes a comprehensive "right to repair" law specifically for agricultural equipment, requiring original equipment manufacturers to provide independent repair providers and equipment owners with fair access to documentation, parts, software, tools, and data necessary to repair agricultural machinery. The legislation defines key terms like "agricultural equipment" (which includes tractors, combines, and other farm machinery), "independent repair provider" (a repair professional not affiliated with the manufacturer), and sets standards for what constitutes "fair and reasonable terms and costs" for accessing repair resources. Manufacturers must make repair materials available at equivalent pricing to their authorized repair providers, provide documentation at no charge, and offer software tools without impediments. The bill also protects manufacturers from liability for improper repairs performed by independent providers and includes safeguards to prevent modification of safety systems or violation of emissions and copyright laws. Importantly, the law will take effect on January 1, 2027, and applies to agricultural equipment manufacturers doing business in the state, with provisions that prevent manufacturers from creating contract terms that would circumvent the right to repair requirements. The goal is to give farmers and independent repair shops more flexibility and control in maintaining and fixing their agricultural equipment.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H452