Bill > HB1852

This bill establishes a comprehensive "Right to Repair" for agricultural equipment in Arkansas, creating new legal requirements for manufacturers of farming machinery. The legislation aims to ensure farmers and independent repair facilities have fair and reasonable access to tools, software, documentation, and diagnostic information needed to repair and maintain agricultural equipment. Specifically, manufacturers must provide electronic access to repair manuals, diagnostic tools, service information, and equipment operation data to farmers and independent repair shops. The bill defines agricultural equipment broadly, including tractors, combines, harvesters, and other specialized farming vehicles, and establishes key definitions for terms like "farmer," "independent repair facility," and "specialty tools." While mandating increased access to repair resources, the bill also protects manufacturers by preventing the disclosure of trade secrets, prohibiting the override of safety features or emissions controls, and maintaining intellectual property protections. Manufacturers are required to make repair information available on fair and reasonable terms, either directly or through authorized repair facilities, while allowing farmers and repair shops to obtain or fabricate necessary tools, though not for resale. The underlying intent is to give farmers more control over maintaining their expensive agricultural equipment and provide more repair options beyond manufacturer-authorized facilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://arkleg.state.ar.us/Bills/Detail?id=hb1852&ddBienniumSession=2025%2F2025R