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Bill > AB147

WI AB147

The right to repair agricultural equipment, and providing a penalty. (FE)

summary

Introduced
03/17/2025
In Committee
03/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires agricultural equipment manufacturers to upon request make available to agricultural equipment owners and independent service providers any documentation, data, embedded software, firmware, parts, or tools that are intended for use with agricultural equipment, at certain fair costs and fair terms as articulated in the bill. XEquipmentY is defined in the bill to include equipment or parts that are designed primarily for use in the operation of a farm or in farm-related activities, including any combine, tractor, sprayer, implement, or attachment used in planting, cultivating, irrigating, harvesting, or ranching, but not including vehicles or self-propelled machines designed primarily for the transportation of persons or property on a street or highway, aircraft, snowmobiles, personal watercraft or motorboats, or equipment or parts used for irrigation purposes. XDataY is defined in the bill to mean information that a manufacturer gathered, transmitted, or compiled that arose from the operation of an owner[s equipment and for which the associated owner has provided consent and authorization for the manufacturer to share. The bill generally does not require manufacturers to provide documentation, parts, embedded software, firmware, or tools that would require a manufacturer to divulge a trade secret. The bill exempts manufacturers and equipment dealers from liability stemming from an owner[s or independent repair provider[s faulty or otherwise improper repair that causes damage or loss of use of equipment, and exempts manufacturers from liability for an action resulting from a person[s use or reliance upon data that the manufacturer provided to a person. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a comprehensive "right to repair" framework for agricultural equipment, requiring manufacturers to provide documentation, data, embedded software, firmware, parts, and tools to equipment owners and independent repair providers upon request, at fair costs and terms. The bill defines key terms like "equipment" (which includes farm machinery like tractors and combines but excludes vehicles and boats), "data" (information gathered from equipment operation with owner's consent), and "independent repair provider" (repair professionals not affiliated with the manufacturer). Manufacturers must make these resources available without divulging trade secrets, and they can redact sensitive information if the usability of the documentation remains intact. The bill protects manufacturers from liability for repairs performed by independent providers, ensuring they cannot be held responsible for damage caused during third-party repairs. Additionally, the legislation provides penalties for manufacturers who fail to comply, including potential financial penalties ranging from $200 to $10,000 per violation and the possibility of injunctive relief. The goal of the bill is to give farmers and independent repair shops more flexibility and access to repair their agricultural equipment, potentially reducing repair costs and downtime for agricultural businesses.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (31)

Last Action

Fiscal estimate received (on 04/21/2025)

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