summary
Introduced
03/14/2025
03/14/2025
In Committee
03/14/2025
03/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing certain barriers that impair the ability of the motor vehicle owners and the persons that repair motor vehicles from accessing motor vehicles[ vehicle-generated data, critical repair information, or tools in order to repair the motor vehicles; that affect motor vehicle owners[ ability to use a vehicle towing provider or service provider of their choice; or that affect motor vehicle owners[ abilities to diagnose, repair, and maintain their vehicle in the same manner as would the motor vehicle manufacturer. The bill also prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from employing certain barriers that affect the ability of aftermarket parts manufacturers, aftermarket parts remanufacturers, motor vehicle equipment manufacturers, motor vehicle repair facilities, distributors, or service providers to produce or offer compatible aftermarket parts. Additionally, the bill requires motor vehicle manufacturers to provide to motor vehicle owners and certain other entities access to certain data and tools related to the repair of the motor vehicles it manufactures. The bill also prohibits motor vehicle manufacturers from making certain mandates in regards to what parts, tools, or equipment must be used on its vehicles. A manufacturer that violates a provision of the bill is subject to a forfeiture of $10,000 per violation. LRB-2114/1 JAM:skw&wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 129 For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive "right to repair" protections for motor vehicle owners and independent repair shops by prohibiting manufacturers from creating barriers that restrict access to vehicle data, repair information, and tools. The legislation defines key terms like "vehicle-generated data" (direct, real-time vehicle operation information) and "critical repair information and tools" (comprehensive diagnostic and repair resources), and requires manufacturers to provide owners, repair facilities, and aftermarket parts manufacturers unrestricted access to vehicle data and repair information at a fair and reasonable cost. Manufacturers are forbidden from imposing technological or legal barriers that would prevent vehicle owners from diagnosing, repairing, or maintaining their vehicles, using their preferred repair service, or utilizing aftermarket parts. The bill also restricts manufacturers from mandating specific brands of repair parts, tools, or equipment, though they must include a notice that vehicle owners can choose their own repair resources. Manufacturers who violate these provisions can be subject to a forfeiture of $10,000 per violation, with each separate act and each day of continued violation potentially constituting a distinct penalty. The legislation aims to increase consumer choice, competition in the automotive repair market, and transparency in vehicle maintenance.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (21)
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R)*,
André Jacque (R)*,
Brad Pfaff (D)*,
Elijah Behnke (R),
Lindee Brill (R),
Robert Brooks (R),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Joy Goeben (R),
Russell Goodwin (D),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Dan Knodl (R),
Dave Maxey (R),
Paul Melotik (R),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Dave Murphy (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
William Penterman (R),
Jim Piwowarczyk (R),
Shae Sortwell (R),
Angela Stroud (D),
Chuck Wichgers (R),
Last Action
Representative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor (on 04/21/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb129 |
| Fiscal Note - SB129: Fiscal Estimate From DOT | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb129/sb129_dot.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB129.pdf |
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