Bill > HB176

This bill establishes the Delaware Agricultural Equipment Right to Repair Act, which requires manufacturers of agricultural equipment to provide owners and independent repair providers with fair and reasonable access to documentation, parts, and tools needed to diagnose, maintain, and repair agricultural equipment. The bill defines key terms such as "agricultural equipment" (which includes farming and agricultural production tools but excludes motor vehicles and construction equipment) and "independent repair provider" (a repair business without a formal arrangement with the manufacturer). Manufacturers must make repair resources available directly or through authorized providers, without imposing unreasonable restrictions like minimum purchase requirements or additional contract obligations. The bill also prohibits manufacturers from using "parts pairing" or other technical mechanisms to prevent third-party repairs, such as creating misleading alerts, charging extra fees, or limiting who can perform repairs. The legislation includes protections for manufacturers, such as not requiring them to divulge trade secrets or sell parts no longer available, and applies only to equipment manufactured and sold after the act's effective date. The Attorney General can enforce the law through existing unfair trade practice statutes, and the act will take effect six months after enactment, providing manufacturers time to adjust their practices to comply with the new requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142358